Revolutionary Art Unveiled at Auto Show
Represents a New Beginning for Ford
www.tonyroko.com
Ford autoworker and Detroit artist, Tony Roko, best known for his Motown Series specifically created for the legendary Motown Historical Museum, is ready to reveal again. His latest work, "Plant Life," is slated to be featured at the Live Media Launch of the International Auto Show on December 14th. This groundbreaking piece is also to be exhibited on
January 3, 2010 at the grand opening of Ford Motor Company's new Michigan Assembly Plant.
"The work is revolutionary," said Anderson Robison Jr., UAW Local 900 president. "It really represents the shift in thinking that has taken place within the entire UAW/Ford system." "Plant life" was created by mounting scrap metal to repurposed pallets, and then painted with industrial enamels exclusive to the automotive industry. These post-industrial materials have survived the demolition of the former Michigan Truck Plant, and as art, have transitioned their way into the new Michigan Assembly Plant," said Roko. The massive 10'x10' piece pays homage to the modern American autoworker and reflects a capable and diverse workforce. "Lilly," a larger-than-life character, is planting seeds on her break in front of a historical Ford factory designed by the late legendary Detroit architect Albert Kahn.
"I was inspired by the way Ford and the UAW handled the auto crisis. We didn't accept bail-out money, from the government, and this artwork is symbolic of our comeback,” added Roko, a former line worker who has painted over 40 murals in his 20 years with the company including the grand opening of the Dynamometer Laboratory Building in 1996. Roko was approached by Ford and the UAW to paint murals for a Plant Beautification Program as a joint effort to boost company moral in 1992. "It's a Cinderella story," says Roko of the life-changing event that helped him realize his childhood dream of becoming an artist. "I was 21-years-old and I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime.” When asked how he began using industry specific materials to create art, Roko replied, "I began using the industrial enamels out of necessity; I knew nothing else would hold up to the gritty factory environment. It just seemed to evolve naturally from there."
"Tony is an innovative artist," said David Torosian, MAP Site Manager. He's given these everyday automotive materials a new purpose and we're proud to have this historical piece a part of the celebration.”
"Plant Life" is one of an ongoing series intended
to inspire employees to think beyond the traditional.
Roko’s work has also been displayed at Detroit's most premier galleries, including an upcoming exhibit at the prestigious 323 East Gallery in Royal Oak, January 15th - February 10th 2011.
Roko’s work has also been displayed at Detroit's most premier galleries, including an upcoming exhibit at the prestigious 323 East Gallery in Royal Oak, January 15th - February 10th 2011.
The FREE artist reception begins at 6pm on Friday Jan 15th 2011
