actually working at detroit contemporary
Pioneer Building Artists
“ACTUALLY WORKING is a survey of works by the current tenants of the Pioneer Building, one of the longest-lived artists’ studio communities in Detroit.
In 1992, the painter Anne Fracassa rented space for a studio in the Pioneer Building, a former factory built in 1908. When the building’s then-owner observed Anne’s sons skillfully renovating her space, he offered to sell the family the entire structure, on the condition that they convert the building to artists’ studios. For over thirty years since, the Pioneer Building has been home to a diverse group of artists ranging in age from their 20s to their 90s, some of whom have been tenants for decades. The tone of the community was set from the very beginning by Anne’s open-door policy; so frequently did people visit her studio to share ideas and resources that she eventually made a sign to post on her door when she needed to get back to painting: ACTUALLY WORKING.”
An ordinary day In Arthur Mitchell’s Studio comes to life in this exquisite rendering. Black paper’s dramatic backdrop for brightly colored lines defines dancers in their practice. Exceptional drawing skills are evidenced in proportion and gestural expressions—particularly the center figure’s hands and feet—as well as perceived depth of field.
Also using black to emphasize and focus the subject, Ferraro elevates our tiny world to a level where intricacy and beauty are undeniable. Fuzzy legs laden with golden pollen contrast with a metallic green body captured busily working.
Bruner’s use of negative space separates varied patterns creating composition. It’s diminutive stature and subtle resonance quietly command attention.
One in a series of ceramic Bitter Melons, this casting is missing its head allowing a view of internal structure. The soft, matte reveal contrasts with the glossy, heavily textured casing while gradating shadows supply further dimension.
Always a sucker for good abstraction, Farago delivers her signature brushwork in murky olive greens underlying bunched grey blues that expand and ripple describing motion on the water’s surface. Thickly applied paint to the top layer contributes additional volume.
“Currently the Pioneer houses 39 artists in 36 studios, including painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, cold-glass artists, and graphic artists. Community members engage with the art world in Detroit and beyond; many are art educators, and each year, the community’s open studio event attracts over a thousand visitors. The Pioneer’s long life is due not only to the vitality of the artists it houses, but also to the Fracassa family’s commitment to supporting artists by providing a place to work in a community of like-minded people.”
On view through March 15th at detroit contemporary 487 W Alexandrine Detroit
*images are mine unless otherwise noted
direct quote from gallery materials
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