The Space Invaders Artist Residency was conceived by Capturing Belief co-founders Romain Blanquart, previously a Detroit Free Press photojournalist, and Khary Mason, a retired Homicide Detective. Their 10-year friendship illustrated the difference support and inspiration made in their own pursuits so subsequently decided to share this experience with their community.
The 'Space Invaders' artist residency partners young Detroit artists of color with accomplished artists of color. Mentors and artists invade each other’s physical and head space resulting in work that wouldn’t have happened without this collision of personalities. The residency culminates with a public art exhibition, highlighting the necessity of partnerships between community and after-school mentoring programs. These young artists are encouraged to question everything, advocate for themselves and ultimately tell their story of who they are through their chosen medium.
The former Ladybug Gallery has become a busy workspace. Ideas, concepts, process and inspiration are taped and written on the walls. This workspace shows a Zine in progress. Images, layout, ideas are arranged and rearranged until the maker is satisfied and ready to go to print.
This workspace organizes photographic and video ideas into prints and film. It’s also where respect and personal value are declared. And, critically, how to follow, support and keep in touch via Instagram.
Tyler Russell works out her concept of ‘Coming of Age’ in order to produce thoughtful images remarking on that evolution. Romain Blanquart assisted Tyler in expressing herself through her photographic voice.
London Hill and Lindsey Bodden learned how to create linocuts with Rashaun Rucker. Lindsey explores messaging regarding the pandemic, looking for straight answers—what do we really know? London Hill has created a striking portrait that boldly holds the viewer’s attention with an unwavering gaze.
No one makes it alone. We all need help from the people who support us just starting out to the community that sustains us as adults. I attribute my passionate pursuit in the arts to my brilliant father and a very patient high school art teacher. I might have pursued art regardless, but without the aforementioned, it likely wouldn’t have resulted in a career. So come out this weekend and show some love to the newest generation of Detroit makers. They are our sharp, inquisitive and bright future.
Participating Artists: Oluwaseyi Akintoroye, Lindsey Bodden, Lamar Dupree, London Hill, Brianna Logan, Dejuan McCurrie, Rahmani Muhammed, Rahmyza Muhammed, Tyler Russell, Caria Taylor.
Mentored by: printmaker, draftsman and photographer Rashaun Rucker, poet Claretha “Peace” Bell, podcaster/storyteller Shannon Cason, filmmaker Jalyn Baity, artist and educator Sabrina Nelson as well as co-founders Romain Blanquart and Khary Mason.
Opening Exhibition August 28th, 2021 from 2pm to 6pm RSVP HERE
1250 Hubbard St. *entrance on Porter St.*.
This program is made possible through a collaboration with S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center with support from the Knight Foundation.
*shown works are in progress prior to professional installation for the exhibition
**images are mine unless noted
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND