“Girl Raised in Detroit premiers an evolution and expansion of previous works that explore the notion of freedom for Black people including topics regarding the cultivation of safe space, community care, and protection. This exhibition features new works inspired by James’ extensive career as a muralist, clothing designer, cultural organizer, and champion of her hometown Detroit. In the large-scale sculptural paintings and installation work you will witness here, James monumentalizes sources of resilience and perseverance in the wake of trauma. Girl Raised in Detroit pays homage to and redefines the relationships between artist and muse, family, friends and a community of contemporaries.”
Implicit Bias Training is a series of self-portraits quietly rotating in the center of the gallery which powerfully illustrate how humans observe and impose preconceived notions onto the observed. James particularly addresses the pervasive phenomenon of White people reducing Black people to a style of hair or not seeing at all. The statement “I don’t see color” translates to disregarding humanity altogether.
James created the character Serving Tee in tribute to Scheherazade Washington Parrish who exemplifies the Black woman’s narrative of creativity and making space for herself and others. Although in a relaxed posture, Liberation‘s stare is bold and unwavering in defiance over a lifetime of verbal assault and depreciation that tears at the fabric of her soul. The stark, heavy black background adds to the gravity of the message.
One in a triptych of substantial unstretched canvases, James’ muse pulls off her ‘happy mask’ to reveal authenticity. The pink disguise is made from the blue disposables we all wore during the pandemic with slivers of mirror layered between asking viewers to examine their own camouflage.
Fashioned after her Grandparents’ living room, the interloper senses hospitality and the safety of a loving space. There’s a clear foundation in reverence for family while a telescope tucked in the corner metaphorically lays the groundwork for this artist’s keen, watchful eye.
This massive, multidisciplinary exhibition describes James’ evolution to the outspoken, brutally honest storyteller she is. It’s an artist’s job to compel viewers to new a new, sometimes revolutionary, perspective. In MOCAD’s calm airy space, an intensely personal experience in a fight for an equal free breath decisively compels visitors to reevaluate their position on race and gender.
On view through Sept 3rd at MOCAD 4454 Woodward Ave Detroit
*images and video are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND check websites for holiday hours. Have a great 4th!
sydney g. james at mocad