photographic portraiture at detroit contemporary
Three Individual Exhibitions
Shekenia Mann – Up Close and Personal
Mann, “a native Detroiter, integrates her love of photography with the knowledge and insight she has gained from years of professional practice as a social worker and educator. For Ms. Mann, photography is the art of capturing the energy and beauty of subjects, and rendering that connection palpable to others.”
This image communicates intensity through taut, uneasy posture, facial expression and the space occupied. Personal adornment of tattoos, jewelry and attire hint at the nature of his personality. Tweaks in contrast emphasize texture and shadow embellishing the edgy narrative.
Jeff Cancelosi – 12 Detroit Artists
The ubiquitous Mr. Cancelosi has ingratiated himself to Detroit’s art community by photographically documenting its makers. All its makers. When he first started taking photos they were straight forward depictions. As the years have progressed, he’s expanded his repertoire, as in the 12 portrayals in this exhibition, to describe an artist’s work, their personality and the environment they inhabit in a single image. It’s an honor to have Jeff snap your picture, but it’s particularly special when he comments on the artist and their work in his imagery.
Donita Simpson – Detroit Framed
“Simpson spends her time photographing established and emerging artists in the Tri-County Area. She explores the artists, their studios and the newly created environment that exists between the artist and the photographer.”
Simpson goes beyond shooting the artists themselves. She winkles out secrets hidden in their studios in an intimate Easter egg hunt. Clues to who they are, how they work, what’s important to them are pinned to the walls or unceremoniously stacked on a nearby table. Through intentional lighting and angles this picture appears almost painted.
With cameras pervasive on our indispensable phones, social media catalogs our lives through vignettes of dinner parties, weddings, trips and random selfies. These three photographers don’t merely register a moment. They capture the subject’s story, their personality, their raison d'être. They illustrate the multifaceted face of Detroit art’s inextinguishable passion for the work and each other.
On view through May 28th at detroit contemporary 487 W Alexandrine Detroit
*photo credits included with each image
direct quote from gallery materials
**Special thank you to Linda Allen for her support of this newsletter. Her colorful paintings are well composed with a side of whimsy, sort of like her. Linda was one of Charles McGee’s closest friends and assisted him with his work for years. Through her I had the honor of meeting Mr. McGee and spent an afternoon with the Detroit legend. An unforgettable treat. Thank you, Linda!
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Brain Candy Monday May 15th only