The Tampa Theater’s illuminated marquee has long served as an iconic symbol of the city. Designed by cinema palace architect John Eberson in 1926, with “Tampa” spelled in brilliant lights, the monumental sign continues to welcome film enthusiasts. In homage to Eberson and his landmark building, Cuban artist Alexandre Arrechea created the sculpture “Tampa Theatre” for the recently revitalized Herman Massey Park.
Arrechea’s sculpture, with its vertical form and rounded edges, evokes the blade design of Eberson’s decorative sign. In this artwork, Arrechea explores the relationship between community, history and architecture. He nestled familiar natural imagery in the curves of the sculpture, such as the blazing sun, crescent moon, crackling lightning and gusty wind. Viewer tip: if you stand in the right spot, you can see both Arrechea’s sculpture and Eberson’s original marquee. In this sightline, one experiences the visual union of Tampa’s present and past.
Joanna Robotham is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Check out last month’s piece “Amalgam” by Molly Hatch. Looking to advertise with us? Find out how.
