Lea este artículo en español aquí.
As the Hollister Biker Rally approaches on July 4–5, artist Ronald Rocha spent some time recently working to restore “The Birthplace of the American Biker,” a well-known mural at Johnny’s Bar and Grill that was painted more than 20 years ago.
“We’re reviving the paintings,” the 85-year-old said. “These are touch-ups of the artwork that was here, and over time, you know, the sun takes its toll. So, we have to clean it up. I did the original wall here back in 2005, and I’ve touched it up twice since then.”
The mural depicts Marlon Brando as he appeared in the 1953 film “The Wild One,” a film loosely based on the 1947 Hollister Motorcycle Riot. Another portrait in the mural is of William “Wino Willie” Forkner, who was played by Lee Marvin in the film.
Ronald Rocha touching up the Wino Willie hat.
Photo by Adam Bell.
Ronald Rocha improves a standalone image of Marlon Brando.
Photo by Adam Bell.
Mural at Johnny’s Bar and Grill is getting an update.
Photo by Adam Bell.
Rocha said that motorcycles became popular after the Second World War, when soldiers were returning home.
“Government motorcycles were up for sale,” he said. “They were very affordable, and a lot of the soldiers had time on their hands. They started buying up a lot of the motorcycles because they were looking for jobs, and they needed something else to do.”
Rocha said the May 1 touch-up work was long overdue and had recently been tagged with graffiti. At the time of this interview, he had been working on it for four days.
“I just got to get some of the wrinkles on the clothes,” he said. “Then I’ll get that jacket right, and be working on the face after. Hey, when you’re 85, you know, you can only do so much a day.”
We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. Producing local news is expensive, and community support keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service nonprofit news.
You must be logged in to post a comment.