womxnhouse 2024

Curated by Asia Hamilton and Laura Earle

“Norwest Community Collaborative/ Norwest Gallery of Art has launched an inclusive artists residency to support Women and Non-Binary artists as part of the initiative to build Detroit neighborhoods. The residency catalyzes growth for creative women by providing stipends, exhibition space, and access to innovative networks. These talented artists have been selected to be a part of the third cohort of Womxnhouse Detroit Artist Residency Program. Throughout the program, they will create, our newest Womxnhouse installation at a brand new location.”  

Takeisha Jefferson from Tucked Away mixed media installation

Jefferson transforms the dining room into a space representing the heart of a home while incorporating elements such as a buffet containing jewelry and shoes as a metaphor for a woman’s multifaceted nature. The tintype style portraits of her ancestors are stunning in their regal beauty. The archway is lined with affirmations written on burnt paper appearing older than they actually are.

lauren jones from my first home was my grandmother’s womb//i refuse to lose my mother//i vow to remember our past mixed media installation

The sunny afternoon sparkles inviting the viewer to witness jones’ objective to conjure memories which thus far have been largely ignored. There’s an old school rotary telephone resting on a side table in the corner. When the visitor lifts the receiver, they hear a prayer read by one of jones’ matriarchs. (I absolutely did this and felt the prayer through and over me. Lovely)

Kashira Dowridge Time will Tell film and mixed media

This darkened room projects a film onto walls loosely draped in a silver material. The space is tiny, while not confining, allowing the viewer to become enveloped by the exquisite imagery investigating the theme ‘knowing who you are’. Sound is subtle but can be heard throughout the main floor.

Danielle deo Owensby Bedroom Devine, Reclamation Be Thy Name mixed media installation, video

Deo Owensby conceives the bedroom as a dual space: one of spiritual reflection and prayer but also of pleasure and identity reclamation. Wrestling with the conflict in spirituality and queerness, the sun’s rays blanket the bed in colorful prisms while refracting off the metallic backdrop generating a sense of hope.

This cozy current location for WomxnHouse delivers powerful, very personal messaging visitors have come to anticipate. There’s an evolution between iterations as gender roles are redefined with ancestry and society influencing a person’s life journey. Both floors include a layer of sound contributing to the depth of the immersive experience.

Participating artists: Brittany Rogers, Cat Washington, Danielle deo Owensby, Elise Marie Martin, Gyona Rice, Kashira Dowridge, lauren jones, Megan Rizzo, Michaela Ayers, Takeisha Jefferson

Video Tour of the Main Floor Narrated by Co-Curator Asia Hamilton

It was a gorgeous sunny Fall day when I met up with Asia who graciously agreed to guide us through the first floor of this year’s WomxnHouse. Navigating through this installation, Asia thoughtfully relates intent behind each work. On view through November 17^th at 14820 Grandmont Detroit.