Lorraine Trovato-Cantori

Hartsdale

1933 Chrysler
Painting
Artist Statement
Detroit’s movie theater and automobile history took hold of my attention many years ago. Movie theaters were integral in Detroit’s magnificence. Theaters produced by The United Artists: Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks spared no expense at designing theaters and glamorizing their interiors. This gave the movie goer an experience like no other. The exterior façade and brilliantly displayed marquee lit up the night sky with the latest movie. How could I allow this magnificent history to be forgotten? Each painting I produce is carefully researched. Each movie I select for the marquee is an Academy Award winner for that particular year, or a personal favorite throughout the years. The production year of the car usually coincides with the movie highlighted in the movie marquee. I’ve researched the history of the movie theaters, dance halls and the automobiles that made up Detroit’s entertainment. Sadly, The Michigan Theater located at 220 Bagley Avenue was built in 1925 is now a parking garage. Producing the acrylic paintings on canvas allows me to visit yesteryear and offer a snapshot of a theater that no longer exists and to entertain viewers who love to reminisce. The automobiles from the 1920’s, 30’s & 40’s were devoid of present day technological niceties, offered streamlined details, stylized chrome, roominess and comfort. Most of these cars are only visible on the silver screen (TCM) a car show, or a Sunday drive by a car enthusiast. The desire to visit Detroit often to research and paint is a passion that I expect to last a lifetime. Education: BFA. School of Visual Arts, NYC 1987 MFA Lehman College, BX NY 1992
Past DAM Shows/Exhibitions
2012 Biannual All Media Exhibitioin