My work is based on specific impressions related to movies from the l930s and l940s. These impressions refer to actual films, studio publicity material, fan magazines and other memorabilia. I use film characters and period settings as points of departure and then freely reinterpret. Contemporary faces are added but without altering the spirit of the chosen cinematic information. In blending past and present images, I try to create a sense of déjà vu or nostalgia without the sentimentality often associated with specific film references.

Images as social icons, and attention to individual incident interest me. I accentuate physical ‘clumsiness’ which alters the perception of each performer’s physiognomy and brings it more to the ‘real.’ Depicting a universal gesture and establishing dramatic moments are paramount.

Once experienced, a movie is never totally forgotten.  Memories from films can be channels, metaphor and private reverie through which an artist can address the human condition.

Ann Chernow