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The FIAT Brand to Bring a Splash of Color to LA Auto Show - Artist to Paint Italian Masterpiece inside Fiat 500L


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2014 Fiat 500L

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AUBURN HILLS, MI--Nov. 18, 2013: An iconic canvas fit for a masterpiece – Italian artist Nicola Verlato to paint the ceiling of a Fiat 500L on showroom floor during LA Auto Show "Fiat 500L Italian Masterpiece" to pay homage to Renaissance period's Michelangelo; artist will lie on his back to paint inside vehicle Painting to take place over six days (Wednesday, November 20-Monday, November 25) LIVE on showroom floor Time-lapsed video will showcase Verlato's daily progress beginning November 21

FIAT Brand North America will bring a splash of color to this year's Los Angeles Auto Show by commissioning noted Italian artist Nicola Verlato to paint an Italian masterpiece, inspired by one of the most recognized fresco works of the Renaissance era, inside a Fiat 500L. Verlato will paint his masterpiece, which will pay homage to elements of Michelangelo's work inside the Sistine Chapel, using the ceiling of the all-new Fiat 500L as his canvas. The artist will work from November 20-25 on the showroom floor. The vehicle will be on display for the remainder of the LA Auto Show, which runs through December 1. More information on the Fiat 500L Italian Masterpiece, including behind-the-scenes footage of the project's preparation, can be found at http://www.fiatusa.com/en/social/.

Said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC and Head of FIAT Brand worldwide: "The FIAT brand is about immersing oneself in Italian style, design and culture. We wanted to play with this concept by taking one of the most far-reaching pieces of old world art and combining it with the iconic new design of the Fiat 500L."

For those unable to attend the LA Auto Show in person, Verlato's daily progress can be seen on Fiat Social beginning November 21, which will showcase time-lapsed video from the showroom floor at the end of each day.

The red Fiat 500L with a tan/dark gray interior will be specially reconfigured and prepped for the project, including the installation of a special fiberglass 'ceiling' (specially coated to absorb paint) replacing the vehicle's headliner. In addition, the seats have been removed, and a special floor has been created to allow Verlato to move and swivel as he paints on his back, in the style reminiscent of Michelangelo and other artists who worked during the Renaissance era.

Nicola Verlato, born in Verona, Italy, spent his childhood summers painting in the studio of a nearby monastery. At the age of 15, he had his first show. He studied at the University of Venice where he honed his skills in drawing, painting and other disciplines. Soon after, he gained recognition in Milan and later relocated to New York and then Los Angeles. His work is shown in galleries around the world. More info on Verlato can be found at Nicola Verlato .