Who Are You Looking At?

Julie Mehretu at the Detroit Institute of Arts
23 Nov 2007
Julie Mehretu: City Sitings inaugurates the central special exhibition galleries, located just to the south of Rivera Court. Mehretu, born in Ethiopia and raised and educated in Michigan and Rhode Island, has been described as a truly global artist, whose large, abstract paintings explore the often unwieldy issues of mobility, social organization, political entanglement, and global competition. Five of the paintings in City Sitings were completed specifically for the exhibition. These new works demonstrate her fervent preoccupation with multiple, often conflicting, viewpoints. 


Julie Mehretu: City Sitings

23 November 07 - 30 March 08

The Detroit Institute of the Arts





These images aren't in the DIA exhibition but I wanted to show examples of her work. If you have the opportunity to see the show please take advantage. Her work is striking to see up close.

Who Are You Looking At?

A lot of folks...

I spent the holidays in Detroit and, yes, I know what you're thinking, but it’s my home and I love it as maybe only a family member can.

In every family there's a shining star and ours right now is the New Detroit Institute of Arts. Although I had a cold for most of the trip I managed to get there for a short visit.

My visit was too brief for me to make any grand assessments but I have to say it's absolutely wonderful!...and HUGE! in comparison to the "Old " DIA. I should also mention that they have three permanent galleries dedicated to African American Contemporary Art. This is a big deal because many museums don't have permanent exhibit space reserved for African American Artists.

Here are some pictures I took during my visit.
(note: the exterior and cafe shots are downloads)

The Detroit Institute of Arts illuminated

The Great Hall

Riveria Court





One of the African American galleries


Autobiography: Air
Howardena Pindell




Portrait of Christopher D. Fisher, Fourth Reich Skinhead
Peter Williams




William T. Williams





Benny Andrews (2 images)




Untitled
Martin Puryear


CafeDIA

(we ended with lunch)

***
Since the re-opening of the DIA critics have said that the museum is playing up to an “uneducated” public by installing labels and displays that “dumb down” the art.




While I noticed the new labeling right away I also quickly recognized that its intent is to provide access to a broader and younger audience. The new designs make sense when you consider that time and tracking studies show that 59% of visitors stay in individual galleries no more than three minutes and that where interest is minimal labels with extensive text are a deterrent.

It should be noted that every single label in the museum is not designed this way, certainly not enough to be a distraction to those with extensive knowledge of the art and artifacts being presented.