two exhibitions at cranbrook art museum
Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit and LeRoy Foster: Solo Show
Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit
“Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit focuses on a local community of artists that have developed expert skills in drawing and painting, and, through deft hands, explore the representation of the Black body in both personal and cultural contexts. Rejecting the monolithic nature under which the Black body is frequently conceived and popularly imagined, Skilled Labor illustrates the range, depth, nuance, and variety of Black life through each artist’s unique approach to figuration. The exhibition features a spectrum of lived experiences—joy, intimacy, reverie, danger, tension—through this artistic lens. Collectively, these artists are undertaking the laborious task of art historical and cultural rethinking through acts of representation.
“Skilled labor” refers to highly trained, experienced individuals who complete complex mental or physical tasks with expertise. The term poetically speaks to these Detroit artists that perform a durational and technically proficient approach to artmaking. Skilled labor is also a rigorous intellectual process that these artists materialize through technical prowess. They are a result of generations of skilled Black labor workers, who bestowed upon the city a legacy of extraordinary innovation. The exhibition evinces the unique sense of place, community, and networks of support found in Detroit.”
Co-curator Mario Moore, in his signature impeccable execution, delivers an allegory worthy of investigation. The subject aligns his gaze to check the viewer ensuring participation versus passive observation. Save the bolt of cobalt blue, the soft palette gently transcribes an historical, dehumanizing truth where scientists non-consensually used Black bodies for anatomical research.
On such a scale, the bright, playful palette envelops and discernibly alters the viewer’s mood. Spot on perspective generates motion as the diver plunges into one of Reid’s favorite subjects relaying a rippling, reflective surface.
Burns mines the autobiographical excavation of a biracial life experience in You Don’t Know the Half. The monochromatic stylized imagery depicts grappling with duality while becoming comfortable with who he is through embracing his heritage.
Cortez’ perspective elevates the subject who actively engages staring down the viewer. Coloration and hand gestures add to the intense exchange.
Participating artists: Christopher Batten, Taurus Burns, Cydney Camp, Ijania Cortez, Cailyn Dawson, Bakpak Durden, Conrad Egyir, Jonathan Harris, Sydney G. James, Gregory Johnson, Richard Lewis, Hubert Massey, Mario Moore, Sabrina Nelson, Patrick Quarm, Joshua Rainer, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Senghor Reid, Rashaun Rucker, and Tylonn J. Sawyer.
LeRoy Foster: Solo Show
“One of Detroit’s most intriguing figures, artist LeRoy Foster (1925–1993) was an exceptional talent and a leading figure in the Black artistic community. Perhaps best known for his large mural at the Douglass Branch of the Detroit Public Library, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, (1972), Foster studied art at Detroit’s famed Cass Tech High School, the Society of Arts and Crafts (now the College for Creative Studies) and, it is believed, at Cranbrook Academy of Art. Foster embodied his moniker “the Michelangelo of Detroit,” drawing inspiration from the drama of High Renaissance paintings.”
The amount of work available is impressive including this mural that hasn’t been seen in 20 years. Its inspirational narrative is conveyed through figures who laugh, grimace, work, play music and erupt on expansive wings from the Detroit city background. Foster’s fiery red set against earthier yellow greens further charges the story. I did a write up on Foster July 2022 which delves into several other works displayed in this show including Tree and Mythological Figures.
All the work in these two shows comply with skilled realism in execution while incorporating potent messaging through symbolism and palette. This expansive compilation of local talent under one roof is not to be missed.
On view through March 3rd at Cranbrook Art Museum 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
Program note: This is the final review for 2023. Thank you for supporting another busy and intriguing year. I’ll be back in January with a group show curated by Clinton Snider at Janice Charach Gallery. Have a warm and joyous holiday season!
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND please check websites for holiday hours/closings
Brain Candy Monday Dec 18th only