Wink

From Mattatuck Museum

Davis Cone (created by)
Mattatuck Historical Society (owned by)
Benjamin Ortiz (previously owned by)

1975 (Date manufactured/created)

ink

paper

Davis Cone (b. 1950) is an American photorealist painter who focuses exclusively on depicting Art Deco-style theaters. These scenes capture a sense of nostalgia for the small towns and cities of mid-century America, where such theaters where commonplace and acted as centers of entertainment and leisure for the community. The Wink Theater is located in Dalton, Georgia, where it was built by J.C.W. Wink in 1941. The theater is still open today and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Cone's depiction of the theater, vintage cars and a lack of figures add a timeless feel to the scene, while a marquee sign that mentions the "HBO" television network places it firmly in the late 20th century. This sign also serves as a source of irony, since it advises potential customers to watch HBO at home on their private televisions rather than attending a movie screening at the theater.

Gift of Benjamin Ortiz and Victor Torchia Jr Collection

Accession/ID Number 2021.10.10