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Detroit of the 70s tried to counter the impending loss of people and industry by commissioning public art installations. Read about the artists and efforts of the time in this Model D article.

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A Word on Art in Detroit and What is a Detroit Artist

For a city that institutionalized art more than a hundred years ago, art and artists have played a major role in the city (think DIA which started out on Jefferson Ave. in 1885, and the College for Creative Studies which was formed as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts in 1906). Today, art is even more important now as we lay our hopes with those participating in art to revitalize this city and we recognize that there is a new wave of Detroit artists filling up galleries, taking over abandoned buildings and making them useful again, and pitching in to educate young and old and just strengthening the community in number.

Art is what makes the city cool, edgy, interesting; the brilliant graffiti pieces up and down Eastern Market, public art installations every few feet and regular happenings are just the face of it, but art in this city is so much more. Anna Clark via the storytelling platform, Creative Exchange, eloquently put it as, “In Detroit, art isn’t just something to look at. Neither is it something to consume. Rather, it is an active part of civic life, cultivating community resilience by connecting people and places across the city’s 139 square miles. In a city where municipal bankruptcy and deindustrialization has shredded both the public and private sectors, artists and organizations have an unusually large impact—they are literally changing the landscape. Tens of thousands of vacant lots and buildings here mark the daily lived experience of citizens: artistic intervention, whether it is a mural painted on an empty building or an organized program, interrupts the disheartening pattern.”

With active transplants moving into the city from New York, San Francisco and other communities because they have found like-minded people and a place where they can create or collaborate (not to mention space is cheap in Detroit), the question of “what is a Detroit artist” warrants a revisit in this year, 2014.

Jens Hoffmann of the Jewish Museum in New York, and adjunct curator of MOCAD, organized and moderated a panel discussion on September 13, 2014 between Michael Stone-Richards, professor of critical theory, visual studies and comparative literary studies at College for Creative Studies, Detroit (MSR); Laura Mott, curator of contemporary art and design at Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills (L.Mott); Rebecca Mazzei, co-founder of Trinosophes coffee shop and art space, Detroit (R. Mazzei); and Jeffrey Abt, professor at the department of art and art history at Wayne State University, Detroit (J. Abt).

The discussion never sought to set a definition in stone, rather to uncover different layers to the depth of art itself in something so tied to opinion that it would be impossible to find an answer.

An important consideration brought up by one attendee, artist Wesley Taylor, as he brilliantly asked, “what is at stake?” by opening this question up for discussion.

So, what is at stake? Why does defining a Detroit artist matter? (WHY NOW?) To a curator, this is a consideration when deciding who to showcase in a Detroit show. Being so close to it, a curator in Detroit may not have as hard a time in organizing a show as say a gallerist in London. For others, it’s a question of who deserves streetcred, where coming from (also likely, from around) Detroit paints you as an insta-badass. Still others may believe that being from and of Detroit makes their art more influential and their views more noteworthy. You can imagine the clout and financial benefits that go along with that.

I wouldn’t dare try to attribute it to a style to Detroit art when there is such an amalgamation of artists working the gamut of available media each with their own creative quirk in execution. Yet, Vince Carducci entertained the thought of what a Detroit style might be—the materials involved (recycled and mundane), expressionist attributes, or intentional formlessness? Even Carducci determines that whatever Detroit art may be, there are “broader world-historical trends that need to be taken into account.” (see, Fordism)

So what is it? What makes an artist a Detroit artist?

Perhaps it doesn’t matter. There is no clout to be gained, no favorable opinion formed and no position in history as an artist to be achieved, in which case, you may cease reading now.

But for MSR it does matter. To him, it's largely about the thought processes you undertake as an artist. "What conditions exist in this place you create that define you and your art?" An important consideration on an international scale when certain artists want to become a part of the history of what they do; no longer just an ordinary artist, but a game changer (MSR).

Surely you would find “American” beneath your name in an art gallery, but do you have the right to refer to yourself as a Detroit artist purely by birth? Or by moving and living here 8 months or 8 years as long as you have experienced Detroit city and the people within, their DIY spirit, their legacy of mom & pop shops over big-box retailers, and the political strong-arms that be and the rebellion of it all? Perhaps if the artist considers their position and influence within that landscape and reflects that in their art, perhaps they have the right to call themselves an internationally-known Detroit artist?

The panel generally agreed that calling yourself a Detroit artist is not necessarily defined by the place, but perhaps more so by time: periods of time in the city (Cass Corridor in the 90s, for example), age differences, but also by the anti-brand, anti-establishment mentality and the willingness to change that identity with time (R. Mazzei). Or perhaps that identify is based on the political history and a reputation of mischief in Detroit city (L. Mott)?

What is this thing that I’m a part of that we so conveniently call art? - Michael Stone Richards

The takeaway is that many may call themselves Detroit artists based solely on location or because they think Detroit holds its own clout, but looking at yourself objectively as an artist attempts to weed out the real Detroiters who partake in this thing we call art from those who hastily slap on that title when it’s convenient. As MSR put it, “If you just want to make, I will leave you alone. But if you want to be a part of this history and a part of international art, you must pose these self-reflexive questions.” Just remember that no one person or group gets to define a city. (MSR)

With the number of opinions born by this question, it’s important to first define “Detroit” and “artist” because your Detroit may not be my Detroit and an artist to you may not be an artist to me. Only then can we pose this self-reflexive question that helps create an identity for you as an artist of Detroit.

#detroit #artist #identity #MOCAD #panel discussion #September13 #2014 #CreativeExchange #style

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A Declaration of Glamping!

We went out into the woods, into the autumnal forest of orange, yellow, crisp, cold, breezy and later in the night, freezing. We wore lumberman’s plaid, Clark desert boots, Puma sneakers, Smartwool socks and longjohn’s, carried coolers, French presses, iPhone cameras with no service and by definition, we were glamping - glamorous camping.

Glamping, because we had an incredible view of the Au Sable river, a small cooler to keep our beers frosty, a dinner of spicy sausage with perfectly cooked and spiced potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, Bordeaux wine and two sandy outdoor chairs to take it all in. Our amenities were a flat piece of land for the tent, a firepit, a bucket beneath a toilet seat, and a short walk to the car that was parked just out of sight; it couldn’t have been more glamorous. Car camping, the availability to bring a cooler, chairs and a French press, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

#glamping #camping #au sable river #oscoda #michigan #october #autumn colors #changing of the leaves #car camping #no filter

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Sometimes you don't get a chance to see one of your favorite musicians until he/she is 78 years old. Rightfully so. Embrace the first and last time you will be able to. 

Leonard Cohen, a legendary, yet modest 21st century musician with a music career spanning 40 years, is still unknown among many 20-somethings. I was exposed in my teenage years to "Dance me to the end of love" on Viva in Poland. He stole the show then and he stole it again Monday November 26 at the Fox.

Cohen, who is only 4 years younger than my feeble, but lovable grandfather, energetically moved about stage for 3.5 hours, played guitar, sang, recited poetry, spoke to himself, admitted his old age and face and never once lost his charisma. At 78 years old, the man outlasted most of the crowd, DANCING, SINGING, KNEELING, and PLAYING.

A live performance can either break or make your love for a band, especially if it's the first time you see them. Phantogram I liked less after I saw them, same with Band of Horses. Cohen… blew. me. away. This was probably the first and last chance I had to see him. Six months ago my mom and I jumped on the opportunity and bought ourselves tickets for $70 when they were going for $150 to $200 close to the night of the show. 

Leonard, you're the best. Come visit Detroit again. You don't have to exert yourself playing, just hang out.

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Lord Huron concert was bomb last night! New album, Lonesome Dreams comes out October 9. I can't wait that long!

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A Local Music Festival and Documentary Film Night Make for a Great Weekend in Detroit

I just spent a wonderful weekend in Detroit that reaffirmed my love for the city. The events that took place this weekend twice compelled me to think "This is the reason I live in Detroit. I pay $400 rent a month (a lot by Detroit standards), I pay for food, for alcohol, for household supplies when I could be living with my parents and spending that money on paying back student loans and saving up for a move to Vietnam. Yet, I pay, and this is the reason why." I dug this absolutely amazing music at Woodbridge Festival this past Saturday. A band from San Antonio, Texas drove thousands of miles to play this mini neighborhood festival. If it seems like a big deal, great, it is, but really this was a side job - they were really there for the Allied Media Conference. Either way, blew my mind, although I could never make out their band name each time they said it. Pistol Gun or something like that? Sunday, I checked out another niche group of Detroit that I was never accustomed to before. The film kids. Yet, the music-film scene crossover was impeccable. Focus Night, orchestrated by Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman, started off with an incredibly well-done music video for Matt Jones and the Reconstruction's song "Hand out the drugs." A few snippets of good documentary films later, Lord Scrummage did a performance piece of costumes, charcoal paintings, keyboard and presented their short film annual tribute to condiments. This year, "Cinco de Mayo". (Pronounced may-ow for Mayonnaise). Brilliant. Man, I fucking love Detroit. Sorry kids, but you don't get any photos of anything that happened above. This weekend was purely about enjoyment of the events, not documentation. Go yourself, but Woodbridge Festival won't happen for another year, whereas Focus Night takes place the first Sunday of every month at Circa Saloon in midtown. 8 or 8:30 pm. Special showing this July 19th.

#Focus Night #Detroit #Woodbridge Festival

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I feel an air of renovation in the city.

This building sits only feet away from where I work on the weekends, but best of all, it was designed by my boyfriend's (Matt Arnold) grandfather; his claim to fame in the city.

Detroit Life Building & the Park Avenue Historic District (Renewal: Architecture)

Detroit Life … Who knew there was a building with such a positive message inscribed on it in Detroit? The Detroit Life Building (completed in 1923 and designed by Arnold & Shreve) is located in Detroit’s Park Avenue Historic District. It’s somewhat tucked away from other buildings downtown that I’ve come to know and love, and is targeted for renovation (http://www.thedetroitlifebuilding.com/) to become a live/work environment. There are several other buildings in the Park Avenue Historic District that have been re-imagined/renovated successfully, and saving the Detroit Life Building would continue the enhancement of the area.

Detroit has buildings and homes designed by world-renowned architects, from Arnold & Shreve to Albert Kahn to Mies van der Rohe. The image to the right is a view looking down Park Avenue, with the Blenheim, Kales and Penobscot buildings. Some are being renovated, having fallen out of use, and others have continued on in spite of the economic strain Detroit faces. All have served as foundations of the business district in the city. Let’s hope they all survive and the renewal of architecture in Detroit continues.

~katimages

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I (Mayor Bing), Hereby Proclaim This Week as "Detroit Techno Week"

Woooohoooo

#Detroit Techno Week #Dave Bing #Mayor Bing #2012

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. "We Almost Lost Detroit"

Good stuff.

#we almost lost detroit #Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. #it's a corporate world #2012

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Chairlift at the Magic Stick, Detroit March 29th, 2012

Look who's coming to the Magic Stick this Thursday! W/Nite Jewel and Bell.

#chairlift #detroit #magic stick #2012 #march 29

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Blowout, the (First) Morning After

It's a ritual to Detroit music scene loyalists and so hip it hurts to those who are "over it," but after the first night of the Blowout, my conclusion is that the music is totally worth wading through the colorful half-shaved haircuts to get a drink at the bar, then elbowing your way to the front.

I just pray they never raise the $20 weekend pass fee. On top of that, there's pizza to buy at St. Pepperoni's, a drink at each Hamtramck bar, and of course, transparent bright green vinyl demos. If you missed it, or if you were there, here's a quick recap of the weekend's event for those who are curious, or just want to reminisce.

Opening Night - Wednesday February 29th, 2012

The performances went much smoother than the organization at the Magic Stick music complex. There were four stages, two in the actual Magic Stick, one in the middle of the bowling alley at Garden Bowl and an impromptu stage at the entrance. We all stayed up late to witness Belle Ghoul, scheduled at midnight, but with actual performance at 1 A.M.

Yorg Kerasiotis, the lead singer of Flashclash was by far the strangest, but bravest act. He ran out into the sparse crowd frequently during songs to either engage them in the singing or weird them out by vocalizing into their throat. As weird as they are, this band has the production backing that could mean they will get big.

Lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Yorg Kerasiotis of Flashclash in front of the Garden Bowl stage at the Magic Stick.

I wouldn't call them a "superband" yet, but The Hounds Below members have been in their fair share of notable bands. The lead singer Jason Stollsteimer is best known as the lead singer of the Von Bondies, bassist Jesse-Shepard Bates has been a part of Jesse and the Gnome, Satin Peaches, JSB Squad, Griffin Bastian played the drums for the Macpodz and then there's guitarist Skye Thrasher, but I'm not sure who else he played with.

Either way, the turnout for this band was great as was the performance.

The Hounds Below - Notice the crowd lining the staircase in the back.

Then the act that I think most people were waiting for, and waiting, and waiting. One hour after scheduled performance time, Belle Ghoul went on to the full crowd of straglers who stayed till 2 A.M. either because they didn't work early in the morning or do, but powered through it anyway.

The vocals seemed a bit off. Jesse Smith's microphone was not working or just too low to hear anything. Interesting tidbit that I learned that night, Jesse Smith is Patti Smith's daughter. Patti Smith for those who don't know the rock-and-roll legend, educate yourselves here and here.

The live version of "(Out of) The Neighborhood" may not have sounded as good as the recording, but it doesn't mean the song wasn't stuck in my head for days afterward. Most interestingly, I spoke briefly to the saxophonist, Christian Doble, after the show because his seemingly ooooold saxophone and other instruments were so intriguing. He said he buys vintage instruments in an attempt to recreate that warm sound from the early days of music recording that many people strive for. Yeah, it's hard to do live and recorded, but I give him my respect.

#hamtramck #february 29 #2012 #blowout #metro times #belle ghoul #hounds below #flashclash

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Metro Times Blowout - Kickin' it Off!

Getting ready for Blowout. I've got my zubrowka vodka, appropriate as the bulk of the festival is in Hamtramck (i.e. pole-town). Tonight, opening night, is at the Majestic Theatre complex.

Up on the bill tonight are:

Keep On Trash DJs blasting a dance party from 9 pm to 2 am!

Jesse and the Gnome

FlashClash

The Hounds Below

The Walking Beat

Matt Jones and the Reconstruction

Cold Men Young (Love that name!)

K.I.D.S.

The Detroit Pleasure Society

Crochetcatpause

Belle Ghoul

<a href="http://belleghoul.bandcamp.com/album/neighborhood-7" _mce_href="http://belleghoul.bandcamp.com/album/neighborhood-7">Neighborhood 7&quot; by Belle Ghoul</a>

<a href="http://mattjones.bandcamp.com/track/special-forces" _mce_href="http://mattjones.bandcamp.com/track/special-forces">Special Forces by Matt Jones &amp; The Reconstruction</a>

<a href="http://jsbsquad.bandcamp.com/album/jesse-and-the-gnome-early-2011-demos" _mce_href="http://jsbsquad.bandcamp.com/album/jesse-and-the-gnome-early-2011-demos">Jesse and The Gnome Early 2011 Demos by Jesse and The Gnome</a>

<a href="http://thehoundsbelow.bandcamp.com/album/the-hounds-below-ep" _mce_href="http://thehoundsbelow.bandcamp.com/album/the-hounds-below-ep">The Hounds Below EP by The Hounds Below</a>

<a href="http://coldmenyoung.bandcamp.com/track/time-bomb" _mce_href="http://coldmenyoung.bandcamp.com/track/time-bomb">Time Bomb by Cold Men Young</a>

#jesse and the gnome #flashclash #the hounds below #the walking beat #matt jones and the reconstruction #cold men young #k.i.d.s. #the detroit pleasure society #crochetcatpause #belle ghoul #metro times #blowout #hamtramck #2012 #first night #day 1 #opening

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Movement:DEMF Phase 1 Line Up

This week, Paxahau announced the first phase of the line-up for Movement: Detroit's Electronic Music Festival. So far, so good.

Hart Plaza will pulsate with that Detroit sound May 26 - 28, 2012 i.e. Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets and more info on Paxahau's website.

#paxahau #movement #demf #detroit electronic music festival #line up #2012 #detroit

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A definite must-see. I went to the Metro Times or Hamtramck Blowout, whatever you want to call it last year, one day only, and there was not one band I saw that I didn't like. I tried hopping from venue to venue one night to see as much as I could, and as much as it pained me to leave the good music I saw, I knew the next band would be a regret to miss. Indeed, best of the day I saw included: Zoos of Berlin, JSB Squad, and The Sights.

This year I'll be doing some research to get the most out of Blowout, but preliminary awesome bands to check out from this year's lineup are: Lord Scrummage, Jesse and the Gnome, Phantasmagoria, and The Juliets.

Seriously though, this is just a preliminary recommendation of bands I'm already familiar with. Check back for most posts with painstakingly researched sounds leading up to the festival.

More info on Blowout, follow this link. http://www2.metrotimes.com/blowout/default.asp

#metro times #blowout #hamtramck #detroit #2012 #lineup

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Less Talk, More Play

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is one of those Detroit bands getting big outside their hometown. And if it wasn't official already, it became official yesterday when the band performed on Conan.

#conan o'brien #dale earnhardt jr. jr. #detroit #monday #january 30 2012