Samantha Noël, Wayne State University

“7 Mile + Livernois” at the Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Detroit as a place for Black women to live and create by elevating both the work of the featured artist, Tiff Massey, and the community from which she comes.

The exhibition draws attention to how Detroit is represented in the national – and even global – imagination.

As an art historian who specializes in modern and contemporary art of the African diaspora, I found the exhibition absolutely mesmerizing. I appreciate the ways in which the show recognizes the desire for belonging and self-expression among Black people. I also admire how the show empowers and inspires anyone who visits it.

Named for an avenue of Black fashion

Massey’s exhibition is named for her childhood neighborhood, which is also a vitally important historic, cultural and economic center of Black Detroit.

More popularly known as the Avenue of Fashion because of its many clothiers, the area near the intersection of Seven Mile Road and Livernois Avenue was an epicenter of Black commerce until the 1967 Detroit Rebellion sent shoppers to suburban malls.

A resurgence of enterprise and an increase in government funding are revitalizing the area by removing abandoned buildings and supporting redevelopment. It’s part of a citywide trend of increased investment and population growth over the past decade or so.

The exhibition poignantly explores the magnificent stylings of previous generations and how Black Detroiters draw from this tradition when they dress and accessorize today.

Throughout history, in many African diasporic communities, dressing in “Sunday’s best” was a way of asserting one’s humanity and dignity. Without question, this exhibition celebrates the importance of this cultural practice.

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Monumentalizing the everyday

The exhibition features recent works plus two new sculptures by Massey commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Art. Her new work is juxtaposed with pieces from the museum’s permanent collection.

At the entrance of the exhibition, cubic forms of silver metal are interlinked and attached to the center of the outer wall of the galleries in a sculpture called “Whatupdoe” (2024), which is also a beloved greeting among Detroiters. Even bigger cubic forms emerge from the wall both in square and rectangular shapes and rest on the floor. Resembling a statement necklace, the sculpture occupies much of the gallery space.

The change in scale gives it architectural flare, bringing to mind the buildings and houses lining the streets of Detroit, and the many people living both inside and outside the buildings. The conjoined links symbolize the ties that bind the diverse neighborhoods and connect generations of people to the city.

Celebrating the built environment

“I Got Bricks” (2016) consists of serial collections of metallic blocks that are shaped like gemstones set into jewelry. The six clusters of glistening slabs echo the shapes of bricks used to build early to mid-20th century architectural structures, but are presented in geometric and varied arrangements.

The work speaks again to the notion of seeing oneself in the built environment. “I Got Bricks” suggests that neighborhoods once viewed disparagingly can be seen as sites of beauty that reflect the histories of many African American families who overcame great odds and led extraordinary lives.

“Quilt Code 6 (All Black Everything)” (2023) is a gorgeous wooden installation painted in black that encompasses iconography and design motifs from the city, as well as the artist’s archive. An Afro comb, the Cadillac logo, a pair of hot combs, the Black Panther Party logo, an Adinkra symbol, and design motifs found on building facades are some of the imagery featured on this work.

It’s positioned near mid-century sculptor, Louise Nevelson’s “Homage to the World” (1966), which also is painted black but features detritus from the streets of New York City. This juxtaposition highlights how both works employ similar compositions to convey two different worldviews, one of a African American woman born in the late 20th century and the other of a European American woman born in the late 19th century.

“I’ve Got Bundles and I Got Flewed Out (Green)” (2023) is a similar installation with an array of green and yellow hairpieces of varying textures and styles displayed on a black-hued background. The theme of artifice as integral to the beauty rituals of Black women comes to mind.

The objects conveyed in “I Remember Way Back When” (2023) and “Baby Bling” (2023) are easily identifiable for many Black women and other women of color, particularly those who were children in the 1970s and ‘80s.

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The former depicts barrettes, while the latter features hair elastics with balls on each end. The 11 enlarged objects in both works are painted in stunning red and arranged horizontally, literally making a big deal of how Black girls present themselves to the world.

These nostalgic works are juxtaposed with minimalist artist Donald Judd’s vertically rendered “Stack” (1969), which uses a series of green rectangular forms to bring to mind modernist architecture.

Making art in the Motor City

Metalsmithing is closely tied to Detroit’s reign as a mecca of industry in the early 20th century. During that period, the city gained a labor force of African Americans fleeing the South, as well as immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and even Latin America and the Caribbean.

In “Fulani” (2021), “39 Reasons I am not Playing” (2018) and “Everyday Arsenal” (2018), Massey adeptly reveals how the everyday objects of self-adornment celebrated in the show share a history with the metalsmithing of the automobile industry in the Motor City.

The galleries filled with Massey’s work invite viewers to pay more attention to everyday objects and the built environment that surrounds us.

“7 Mile and Livernois” runs at the Detroit Institute of Arts through May 11, 2025. Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Samantha Noël, Associate Professor of Art History, Wayne State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Nestled in the vibrant Exposition Park of Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to reshape our understanding of storytelling through visual art. Co-founded by the legendary filmmaker George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum aims to be the first institution solely dedicated to exploring the meaning and impact of narrative art, reflecting the common beliefs and values that bind society together.

The museum’s construction is progressing towards a grand opening in 2026, with its innovative 300,000-square-foot building designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects. Its design takes inspiration from the natural world, featuring a biomorphic structure that mimics the relationship between trees and their surroundings. The bustling 11-acre campus will include lush gardens and parks designed by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, infusing more than 200 trees into the landscape to create a serene gathering space for the community while promoting biodiversity.

But what truly sets the Lucas Museum apart is its ambitious collection aimed at featuring narrative art from various cultures, mediums, and historical periods. With works ranging from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary photography, the collection invites viewers into complex dialogues about identity, society, and history. Artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder, Kerry James Marshall, and Cara Romero illustrate the extent to which art can challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful conversations.

As Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the museum’s Director and CEO, eloquently states, “Through narrative art, people from every age and background can find connections between their lives and the lives of others across eras, cultures, and regions of the globe.” This goal underscores the museum’s mission to foster inclusive dialogues and broaden the understanding between diverse communities.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lovingly embraces visual storytelling in all its forms, from traditional paintings and sculptures to comic art and illustrations. This multifaceted approach not only honors the rich history of narrative in art but also opens doors to contemporary practices that resonate with today’s viewers.

As construction milestones are reached, including the recent installation of unique, curved panels on the museum’s façade and the introduction of iconic landscaping elements, excitement builds for the museum’s anticipated opening. The Lucas Museum stands as a beacon of creativity, connection, and inclusivity, inviting the public to delve into the powerful narratives that shape our world.

In a society where storytelling is at the heart of human experience, the Lucas Museum aims not only to showcase art but also to ignite deeper connections and provoke thought about the world we inhabit. Mark your calendars for 2026—you won’t want to miss this extraordinary addition to Los Angeles’ cultural landscape!

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Museum Link: https://lucasmuseum.org/

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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a remarkable addition to the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, California. Established by acclaimed filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the museum is poised to become a pivotal hub for visual storytelling across diverse artistic forms.

Lucas Museum

Nestled in Exposition Park, the museum features an extensive collection encompassing myriad artistic mediums. From striking paintings and evocative photography to intricate sculptures and compelling illustrations, the Lucas Museum is dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of narrative art, engaging audiences, and conveying profound messages through its exhibitions. As the museum evolves, it continues to enrich the conversation around art and storytelling, inviting visitors to experience narratives that resonate on multiple levels.

One of the standout features of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The museum aims to celebrate art from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds, giving voice to underrepresented narratives and perspectives. This focus on inclusivity is not only manifested in the museum’s eclectic collection but is also vividly reflected in its thoughtfully crafted programming and community outreach initiatives. By engaging with local communities and diverse artists, the museum fosters a rich dialogue that honors different traditions and storytelling techniques.

Designed by the acclaimed architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the museum’s stunning building is a work of art in itself. Its unique and innovative architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious space that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse world of storytelling. The dynamic design features flowing forms and open spaces, allowing natural light to play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. This architectural masterpiece not only serves as a physical shelter for art but also symbolizes the fluid nature of narrative.

The museum’s website, lucasmuseum.org, offers a captivating glimpse into its vision and future exhibits, generating palpable excitement among art enthusiasts and fans of George Lucas’s cinematic legacy alike. It serves as a vital platform for engaging with the museum’s mission and provides ongoing updates about various programs and events that aim to foster a sense of community and anticipation leading up to its grand opening.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art stands as a testament to the profound power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life. It embodies George Lucas’s passion for narrative and creativity, creating a space where art can be experienced, appreciated, and understood in its many forms. The museum will not only display art but also offer educational workshops, lectures, and events that will enrich the visitor experience and promote a deeper understanding of narrative as a vital component of human experience.

As the museum prepares to open its doors, the anticipation continues to build, with Los Angeles eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the rich world of narrative art. The Lucas Museum promises to become a cultural landmark—an inspiring venue where imagination and creativity converge. It aims to be a place where the stories that shape our lives are not just preserved, but celebrated and explored, ensuring that the legacy of narrative art endures for generations to come.

The museum is set to open in 2025…

For more information please visit: https://lucasmuseum.org/

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