Past, present, and future of Detroit fine art on full display - Detroit Metro Times

[Fiery Fantasy Fortr]

Detroit's Fine Art: A Bridge to the Past, Present, and Future

The city of Detroit has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, with a history of artistic innovation that spans centuries. The latest exhibit at the Carr Center, "Bridges, Because of Them," is a testament to this legacy, bringing together historic works from renowned collectors alongside contemporary creations by emerging artists.

As I stepped into the exhibition space, I was struck by the powerful contrast between old and new, tradition and innovation. Curated by a diverse team including Henry Harper, Andre Reed Jr., and Kendale L. Jones, the show weaves together over 50 artworks that not only honor Detroit's artistic past but also celebrate its vibrant present.

One of the standout pieces for me was "Don't Let Your Dreams Be Dreams" by Henry Heading, which pays tribute to Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion in 1908. The painting, which includes real ropes and boxing equipment attached to a frame, is not only a beautiful work of art but also a testament to the resilience and determination of Detroit's African American community.

The exhibit also features an impressive collection of contemporary works, including pieces by artists such as Oshun Williams and Aya Hasan. The lighting system in this section adds an extra layer of depth to the artworks, creating an immersive experience that draws visitors into the world of the paintings.

For me, one of the most striking aspects of "Bridges, Because of Them" is its ability to bridge the past and present. Each artwork carries elements of both eras, making every piece feel timeless in its own right. Whether it's a historic painting or a contemporary sculpture, each work has been carefully curated to reflect Detroit's rich cultural heritage.

As I left the exhibit, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the community of artists who are working tirelessly to preserve and celebrate this legacy. The show is a powerful reminder that art has the ability to bring people together and transcend time and culture.

If you're looking for an experience that will inspire, educate, and entertain, "Bridges, Because of Them" is an absolute must-see. With its diverse collection of artworks and thought-provoking themes, it's an exhibit that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.

 

[Ho-Hum Dis]

I mean, can u even believe they're showcasing a painting with real boxing ropes from the early 1900s?! It's like stepping into history, but still feels so relevant today! The way they've woven together old and new is just masterful. And Oshun Williams' piece? I loved how it felt like you could step right in front of the painting and be transported to another world. The lighting system was genius too - added this whole extra layer to the experience. What I'm trying to say is, this exhibit is a total game-changer. If u haven't seen it yet, GET. ON. IT!

 

[Nutty Narwhal]

I gotta say, this exhibit in Detroit is literally blowing my mind . I mean, to see all these different art pieces from like, centuries ago, right next to some super fresh works by new artists... it's like, whoa. The way they've curated the whole thing is so thought-provoking, you know? It's not just about showcasing some old masters or whatever, but also about how those artists influenced the ones after them. And that piece with Jack Johnson's boxing equipment? That's some deep history right there. I love how it ties together Detroit's past and present like that. It's a reminder that art is all about connection and community, you know?

 

[Dwarven Aerobics Aren]

I'm so stoked about this new exhibit at the Carr Center in Detroit ! The way they've woven together old and new is literally genius. I mean, seeing a painting from 1908 alongside a piece by an emerging artist like Oshun Williams was mind-blowing. It's amazing to see how art can bridge the past and present, you know? It feels like the community is coming together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage . And the lighting system in the contemporary section is SO cool! It adds this whole new level of depth to the artworks. I felt so inspired walking out of there, I'm already thinking about how I can get involved and support more local artists .

 

[Outrageous]

I went to this new art show in Detroit last weekend and I was totally blown away! They had these old paintings from like, a century ago next to modern masterpieces and it was so cool to see how they all connected. I mean, one of the pieces had real boxing equipment attached to it and it just brought back this whole history of Jack Johnson's achievements . The lighting in the contemporary section was also super clever - it made the art look like you were right there in the moment. What really got me though was how each piece could be both old and new at the same time - it felt kinda like Detroit itself, you know? A city that's always trying to move forward but still rooted in its history

 

[Armored Che]

I'm still trying to figure out how much I love this new exhibit in Detroit . It's like they're bringing the whole city's history together under one roof - old art pieces, contemporary art, and even some cool interactive stuff. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a painting that includes real ropes from Jack Johnson's boxing days? It's crazy how much heart and soul is put into this show by all the artists involved.

I'm also loving the fact that it's not just about Detroit's history, but also about its people. You can tell the curators really care about what they're doing, and it shows in every piece of art on display . I swear, if you haven't checked this out yet, you need to get yourself to the Carr Center ASAP. It's like a time machine that'll take you back to Detroit's rich past, present, and future all at once .

 

[Tasteless Disco]

I'm so down for this new exhibit in Detroit! I love how they're bringin' together old school art with the fresh talent from today . The way they've woven these historic pieces with the contemporary works is like a beautiful tapestry, ya feel? And them African American artists, Oshun Williams and Aya Hasan... what a powerful message they're sendin' through their art . I'm all about celebratin' the culture of Detroit, and this exhibit is doin' just that . My only wish is that more people get to experience it, 'cause it's definitely somethin' special .

 

[Kabuki Th]

just saw the new art exhibit in Detroit and gotta say, its like they took a deep breath of history and brought it back to life. all these old pieces alongside new ones from up-and-coming artists feels like a match made in heaven

 

[Crazy Copperhead]

just saw the latest exhibit at the Carr Center in Detroit and I'm still reeling from the experience... the way they've woven together historical and contemporary art pieces is pure magic . I loved how they highlighted Jack Johnson's legacy - that painting was so powerful, I felt like I was transported to another era . The exhibit itself feels like a bridge between past and present, you can really see the effort that went into curating each piece... it's not just about art, it's about community . Go check it out, trust me

 

[Super Seal]

Ugh I was there at the opening and I gotta say, the venue itself is kinda a letdown . The Carr Center is always so crowded and noisy when they have events on, it makes it hard to even talk about the art without screaming over each other . And don't even get me started on the security guards who just stand there like statues, not even trying to be friendly . Anyway, the exhibit itself was pretty cool, but I'm still salty about having to navigate through all those annoying people . If they could tone down the crowd a bit and make the venue more welcoming, that'd be awesome . Oh and can we please just have some better Wi-Fi?

 

[Muppet Plunger Pun]

I'm not sure about all this fuss around Detroit's new art exhibit . It sounds like a bunch of old paintings and sculptures mashed together with some modern stuff thrown in for good measure. I mean, what's the point of having 50 artworks when most of them are just going to be lost on people who don't have any connection to Detroit's history? And don't even get me started on the lighting system – seems like a total gimmick to me . I'd rather spend my time exploring some new tech innovation that can actually make a real difference in people's lives, you know?

 

[Sil]

I mean, have you seen the size of this exhibit? Like, 50 artworks? That's a whole lotta art! And they're not just showcasing old stuff, but also new artists who are killing it. It's like Detroit is saying, "Hey, we've got history, but we're also all about that future life." I'm loving the way they mixed old and new, it's like a big ol' art party! And that piece by Henry Heading? My jaw dropped when I saw those ropes and boxing equipment attached to the frame. It's like he took a page from his past and turned it into something fresh and fly. The exhibit is more than just art, it's an experience. You can feel the vibes of Detroit's cultural heritage all around you. Go check it out!

 

[Team Architecture T]

this exhibit is literally the heartbeat of detroit's art scene i mean, seeing these pieces all in one place is like getting a masterclass on how to blend tradition with innovation its not just about old and new, its about how they can coexist and elevate each other gotta give props to the curators for doing an amazing job of bringing it all together...

 

[Robot Chase Marin]

omg u gotta check out detroit's new fine art exhibit - they're bridging the past, present, and future all at once! I love how they're highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage and showcasing both historic & contemporary works . "Don't Let Your Dreams Be Dreams" by Henry Heading is giving me LIFE - it's such a powerful tribute to Jack Johnson . And can we talk about the lighting system in the modern section? it's like they're transporting u into another world ! what i love most tho is how each piece feels timeless, no matter if it's from the 1900s or last year . anyway, def go see this exhibit - it's a total game-changer

 

[Custom Skydiving Daredevi]

omg i just saw this exhibit in detroit and it was literally life changing the way they mixed old & new art pieces together is pure magic i loved seeing all these historical works alongside newer creations by emerging artists, it's like a breath of fresh air the show is so well-curated, every piece feels connected to each other in a beautiful way and can you believe the lighting system they used? it adds this whole new dimension to the artworks anyway, if you ever get the chance to check out "Bridges, Because of Them", take it! trust me, u won't regret it

 

[Angry Anaconda]

Ugh, have you guys tried those new plant-based milks? I mean, I know they're good for the environment and all that, but honestly, some of them taste like cardboard . I swear, I had this almond milk latte at Starbucks yesterday and it was like drinking a sad, soggy sponge. Give me my old-fashioned coffee any day .

 

[War of the Rainbow]

so I think what's really cool about this exhibit is how it brings together these old & new pieces to show us Detroit's history in a new way. like, who knew the city had such rich art culture? I mean, it's not just about looking at pretty pictures – it's also about feeling the vibe of the community that created them.

I also love how they've got these different lighting systems for each section – it really adds to the atmosphere & makes you feel like you're in a whole different world. And can we talk about how awesome it is to see artists from different generations working together? I mean, the way they weave old & new art into one exhibit is just genius.

I think what's also super powerful about this show is its message of community & resilience. like, you can feel the history and struggles of Detroit's people in each piece – it's not just some generic 'art' thing. It's real.

 

[Underwater Desert Comp]

Man, this exhibit in Detroit is like a mirror held up to the country's past, present, and future . I mean, think about it, we're still grappling with the legacy of Jack Johnson, who was a trailblazer for African American athletes back in 1908. It's crazy how much progress we've made, but also how far we still have to go.

And let's not forget about the contemporary artists like Oshun Williams and Aya Hasan who are pushing the boundaries of what art can do. They're speaking to a new generation of Americans who are hungry for representation and diversity in their art .

But here's the thing, folks, if we want to truly celebrate our cultural heritage, we need to be willing to confront our past mistakes too. I mean, Detroit has been through some tough times, but it's also a city that's always come back stronger .

So, in a way, this exhibit is like a call to action for all of us. We need to recognize the value of art and culture in preserving our history and shaping our future. It's not just about celebrating what we have, it's about using those lessons to create positive change .

Anyway, if you haven't seen "Bridges, Because of Them" yet, do yourself a favor and get out there .

 

[Comfortable Cobra]

I don’t usually comment but... I just visited this new exhibit in Detroit and OMG it’s so good! The way they mixed old and new art was like a breath of fresh air . I loved how each piece had its own story to tell, whether it was about the history of Detroit or the struggles of its community . And that one painting by Henry Heading? it gave me chills! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it before. The exhibit is like a time machine - you feel like you’re right there in Detroit, experiencing all these emotions and stories . My fave part was the lighting system - it added this whole new level of depth to the art . Definitely going back for more!

 

[Prehistoric B]

I'm so hyped about this new exhibit at the Carr Center in Detroit! It's like, they're really killing it with how they've curated these works from old and new. I mean, seeing these historic pieces alongside fresh ones is like, totally mind-blowing. The attention to detail is insane - I loved the ropes and boxing equipment attached to that one painting by Henry Heading. It gives you this real connection to Jack Johnson's story.

The exhibit feels so immersive, you know? Like, they've really done a great job with the lighting in the contemporary section. And what I love about it all is how they're bridging past and present - each piece has these elements of both eras that make it feel timeless. It's like, this exhibit is saying that Detroit's art legacy isn't just one thing, but a whole journey.

For me, it's so inspiring to see the artists at work, preserving and celebrating their community's heritage. And I think that's what makes "Bridges, Because of Them" such an absolute must-see - it's not just about the artworks themselves, but about the people behind them.