Tony Roko
The many contemporary tools of art open new worlds of expression to the artist. Tony Roko, a bold and expressive emerging artist, introduces us to the use of industrial automotive enamels on wood as his innovative medium of choice. A talented, self-taught artist, Roko paints with a distinctive style that is sleek, sexy and full of energy. His palette is rich with vivid color. We are invited on a journey to explore the urban themes he so masterfully depicts . . . each painting tells us a story. The subjects he paints draw us in with their soulful eyes . . . we are fascinated by their mystique and want to learn more about them.

Tony is the first American of an Albanian family from Montenegro. At the age of 18, he was hired into Ford Motor Company’s Automotive Plant to work production. While working “the line,” the UAW/Ford Joint Committee decided to appoint him to head up the Plant Beautification Program, geared toward boosting company morale. This opportunity became life-altering for tony.

Eventually, Tony was doing large scale murals throughout the Ford system, and making a name for himself as “resident artist.” It was in the process of doing these murals that he discovered the beauty of painting with automotive finishes and industrial enamels; which was the only medium that had the ability to withstand the harsh environment of the factory, while maintaining the vibrant colors and integrity of his works of art. This technique led him to the work he does now.

Tony has always been fascinated with the readily accessible art of American pop culture. Comics and animation such as Fat Albert and Looney Tunes have been some of his earliest artistic influences. Also impacting Tony from an early age were various urban artists, such as Earnie Barns and, more recently, William H. Johnson.