From Detour Detroit

“We need an ever-present reminder that we do not accept this shit at all”

Sydney G. James’ art is a call to action: to see Blackness — especially Black women; to remember that Black people too are free; and to know that Black lives are complex, resplendent and worthy.

The mid-late 70’s and 80’s in Detroit were golden, amazing. Music was fun, important to our lives. Our crew was 12-15 people, always showing up together, we were the party. Between us, we shared a great deal of talent and love, along with a fierce sense of respect and loyalty toward each other. 40 plus years later, we are still close friends, although many of us are no longer on this side.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding artists and writers!

A conversation with artist Ani Garabedian around her current practice and activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Garabedian will have a two-person exhibition with Marcia Freedman at M Contemporary Art in the Fall of 2020.

Roy Feldman is a Hamtramck photographer with a hefty resume.

Forty Years in the business have certainly taught him a thing or three about his chosen craft.

Last month, his newest exhibit, titled “Truth & Grace,” was on display at the M Contemporayr Art gallery in Ferndale. The exhibit features many Hamtramck residents as subjects.

Rashaun Rucker makes photographs, prints, and drawings and has won numerous awards for his work. In 2008 Rucker became the first African American to win Michigan Press Photographer of the Year. He also won a national Emmy Award and two regional Emmys for documentary photography.

I’ve never had a problem with social distancing since I’ve always been naturally socially distant. As you know, my work revolves around people and the connections we share - whether or not you are in the same vicinity doesn’t matter.

I’m Karpov a Russian photographer currently living in Detroit. I had planned on being in the field for a nonprofit starting April 1st. Since COVID-19 hit, I cannot travel abroad so I did the next best thing, I looked up a few nonprofits in the area I could work with as a volunteer. I started with Forgotten Harvest in late March attending various outdoor food banks across Detroit and the metro areas.

ROBERT MIREK

A conversation with artist Robert Mirek around his current practice and activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

A conversation with artist John McLaughlin around his current practice and activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Watch a quick video of his most recent drawings at home!

Vans, El Club team up for custom sneaker during COVID-19 crisis

The sneaker is designed by Freddy Diaz, a Southwest Detroit artist known as SW Freddy, who got the call from El Club last week to put together a design and pulled an all-nighter to get it done on deadline. Diaz is also working on an upcoming gallery show which is set to do a virtual opening on April 17.
"It was literally crunch mode times three," Diaz says.

A conversation with Detroit artist Freddy Diaz around his upcoming two-person exhibition with Malt, current practice and activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.