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and cognitively impairedpeople.
He shows a master image each stu-
dent ranks on subject, color palette,
and style, using one to five for an indi-
vidualized result.
“A synthesis, we call it a mashup.
The reference is based in master
works,” he explained of the foundation
work.
He's proud, too, of 1950s Ford-com-
missioned Norman Rockwell work,
and of a Detroit Institute of Arts deci-
sion not to paint over working class
Diego Rivera murals despite political
pressures.
“We know that wasn't the case with
the Rockefeller Center” in New York
City, he said of those former Rivera
murals.
Roko shows his work of a pet store
worker he portrayed in a top hat and
coattails. “He went out and bought a
top hat and coattails. I prefer to see the
grandiose things in the ordinary,” the
frequent listener toNina Simone radio
and othermusic said.
He finds inspiration in facial
expressions, especially as an English
as a second language learner and
speaker. Classic photography, silent
film, fashion and architecture inspire
him, although “I see extraordinary
things inwhat somemay consider ordi-
nary people.”
Roko is a five-consecutive-year
Detroit Fine Artist of the Year honoree
fromHourDetroitmagazine.
Rony Roko and a group of students display some of their artwork created at his
studio now located in the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex.
