mocad reopening
Carole Harris and Olayami Dabls
“Carole Harris: This Side of the River is the first comprehensive museum exhibition dedicated to Detroit-based fiber artist Carole Harris. The exhibition honors her pioneering vision, one that has redefined the language of quilting and transformed it from a domestic craft into a mode of abstraction, cultural storytelling, and political reflection.”
An artist’s retrospective is fascinating in that it illustrates a personal journey. Harris didn’t arrive at the current torn, layered Mulberry paper pieces stretched and stitched into organic constructions overnight. Large scale quilts in cleanly arranged patterned shapes sitting on rich, dark backgrounds establish Harris’ proficiency in abstraction balancing dense negative space with action. Down the Road a Piece is thoughtfully curated with a landscaped surface and slivers of bright yellow to contrast.
Particularly enjoyed this piece for what it is.
Before the Freeway breaks the confines of crisp rectangles into irregularity while retaining the familiar palette of luxurious blacks inciting vibrant yellows and oranges to pop. Harris is meticulous in execution with no conspicuous method of fabrication. Abstraction is hard enough in paint. To bend fiber into an artist’s emotional story and get it to sing in a strong composition is a feat.
“MOCAD presents Olayami Dabls: Detroit Cosmologies, the first comprehensive retrospective of Olayami Dabls, a Detroit artist, storyteller, and cultural historian whose work has shaped the city’s creative life. Spanning forty-five years, the exhibition gathers paintings, sculptures, installations, archival materials, and public works that reflect a practice fusing African symbology, African American history, and Detroit’s industrial landscape into a language of resilience.”
Internationally known for MBAD African Bead Museum, which attracts thousands of curious visitors a year, Olayami Dabls’ has much more to say than rare beads and handmade jewelry. The famous shop includes outdoor installations, sculpture and several murals. Some of those pieces have been relocated—along with rarely seen works—to MOCAD allowing the viewer to absorb and embrace the entirety of Dabls’ endeavors.
The heron, sheathed in cowry shells and draped in cumbersome stringed beading, was created in Dabls’ birth name, James A. Lewis. This exhibition also includes several watercolor on paper drawings, collages and murals revealing a passionate artist constantly evolving. The work is thoughtful, expressive and deeply meaningful.
Iron Teaching Rocks How to Rust invites viewers into a sacred space to interpret materials universally perceived inanimate as carriers of history. As in many West African traditions, Dabls imbues iron with power and earthly force while symbolizing a city shaped by steel and labor.
And, of course, beads. The visitor is invited to touch—what??—the beads enhancing the gallery experience.
Both artists have a storied relationship with Detroit and its art community. Harris relates her Detroit experience in culture, industry and a city’s resilience in reviving abandoned fabrics to elevated purpose and beauty. Dabls has been highly influential in the city’s restoration from decay and bankruptcy to how public art is viewed and preserved—or not.
“Between Summer 2025 and Spring 2026, the Museum underwent a series of necessary and significant renovations under the direction and vision of Craig Borum and PLY + Architecture. The historic building now features a state-of-the-art HVAC system and a series of new aesthetic features, including brand-new window paneling inside the Woodward Gallery, designed to enhance the visitor experience.“
The large window on Woodward was key in the reno as those who were unacquainted with MOCAD weren’t exactly sure what that ‘black building’ was all about. Now anyone walking down the street can see for themselves. Those who know what MOCAD has been doing for 20 years will be eternally grateful for air conditioning! Those summer gatherings got a little toasty and the giant fan didn’t do a whole lot to cool the wilting visitors let alone attending the work itself.
On view now at Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit
*images are mine except the original MOCAD façade image which came from their website.
direct quote from museum materials
*Special shoutout to Friends of Detroit Art Sponsor Sherry Washington and the Wayne County Community College of Detroit Gallery. Washington has been showcasing some of Detroit’s premier artists who have had a significant cultural impact on the local community through their work and support of their creative colleagues. Thank you Sherry!
**Update on SPJ’s Excellence in Journalism Award: Real Art Detroit came in 3rd out of 4 finalists. The winner in the Digital Art category is Gary Graff of the Oakland Press who covers Detroit-based music. Judges were soundly impressed by his coverage of Jack White’s Third Man Records. Although the Substack platform continues its steady growth in readership and credibility, it still takes a backseat to larger press rooms who received all the top awards. Remains an honor to be recognized in those circles and anticipate persistent, quality coverage will result in more fierce and equal competition in the future.
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