Hidden Jewels
Although known for being the Motor City and the birthplace of Motown, Detroit’s true unsung treasure is the thriving art mecca.
Class:
Travel Photography
For my class’s final project, I photographed primarily within the city of Detroit. This city has a broad history that is a result of different time periods intersecting and culminating into the city as we now know it. Like other major cities, it’s gone through periods of time that resulted in the stagnation of growth and modernization. There has been a stigma of how this city is due to these down periods of time, and through this project I wanted to dispel those stigmas and myths. Outsider’s opinion of this city has shifted to a positive one throughout the years, mainly due to the passionate sports culture that this city has; along with the various art and music experiences that the city has cultivated.
I originally wanted to capture the total experience of Detroit as best as I could, however, to produce a cohesive project I focused specifically on art. Through these images I wanted to display the life of the city; a vibrant, colorful, concrete garden that has something for everyone.
Though the project was capped at 20 final images, I took hundreds of photos during this summer semester and will be adding more of them to the store for purchase as art prints.
Welcome to Detroit, the birthplace of Motown Music. Stevie Wonder is just one of the many coveted artists that created the sonic boom that rocks radio stations past and present.
This appropriately titled mural “Rise”, is just like our city. Rising up in the rankings of best cities to live in.
The Spirit of Detroit: God, through the spirit of man, is manifested in the family, the noblest human relationship.
The Heidelberg Project, a political project turned artwork. The artwork continually evolves, rejecting neighborhood blight in a controversial way.
A tribute to Tyree Guyton, the founder of the Heidelberg project. His project beautified his deteriorating neighborhood after the '67 riots, and is still inspiring to this day.
Tucked away in an alley, better known as the Belt; the Library Street Collective is the definition of a hidden gem.
The Michelin three-star rated museum is a massive attraction, where the pinnacle of art is showcased. You can truly get lost in inspiration while browsing this place.
The men who build this city into the Motor City are unheralded heroes. Their sweat and blood built the backbone of America's automotive industry.
The Shepard, a former church turned cultural art hub space. Nestled in the heart of East Village with a goal of connecting art, education and recreation.
From the Shepard's rotating art gallery. What do you see? This is not a Rorschach test, but an expression of the beauty and creativity that this city breeds.
Adjacent to the Shepard, a park meets art from a Detroit Icon, Charles McGee.
A reminder to play and discovery daily; a tribute to Charles McGee and his artistic career. His final art submission to a city that he loved.
The Dequindre Cut is a greenway that serves as a mural haven and recreational path; connecting the arts and exercise.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy commissioned these murals, shooting these artists in a new stratosphere. Sydney James is one of these many artists.
Another mural by Sydney James, a cultural take on Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring", the iconic old-english D is as valuable as a pearl.
Social Status combines fashion, art and sports. This consignment shop has the latest shoes and style with community connection at the forefront.
Interactive art is a staple to bring the community together in a passive, yet vibrant way.
Music isn't just a hobby, it's preciously passed down through our roots.
The fist of Joe "the Brown Bomber' Louis, though not born here; he's one of our own. This statue is tribute to his championship career and impact to our community in and outisde of boxing.
The Crown Jewel of this project, the Dodge & Son Fountain at Hart Plaza. Built in 1978, the futuristic design still holds the test of time. A memorial to Horace Dodge and his family's contribution to the auto industry and the city of Detroit.