Detroit’s Local Art Scene: How Public Art Murals Connects Communities
Written by Anna Herbert
Detroit has always been a city of the arts. From the prominent music of Motown to the diverse art scene, the people of Detroit have always been passionate about it. In Detroit, you can find tons of festivals and events happening that support the arts. Detroit art week, a five-day event in July celebrating contemporary art and culture in Detroit, and Sidewalk Detroit, a group that holds events that celebrate the life of Detroit through art and public spaces, are just a few of the many art fairs held every year.
Even though now the city is thriving, it hasn’t always been that way. In the early 2000s, there was a severe increase in urban decay and in 2013 the city filed for bankruptcy. It was very devasting, the city had to cut back and find ways to get out of the debt they faced. First, they closed down the local Science Center, but when that was not enough they turned to the arts. The plan was for the city to sell pieces from the Detroit Institue of Art, the main art museum in Detroit, to try to get out of the debt that they were in. In an instant, supporters of the arts stepped in. They defended the museum because the art meant so much to Detroit and it’s culture. This is just a glimpse as to how passionate and loyal the people of Detroit are. Art has always been held very close to the people of Detroit, it makes the city so great. They are so proud of their art, it is a way of bringing everyone together. No matter who you are, or what district you are from, it’s common ground. Because of this, Detroit seems to be rebuilding itself through art, more specifically it’s public murals.
Detroit holds many neighborhoods in its city. Some of them are more known than others. Eastern Market, West Village, and Corktown are some of the main districts to see the public murals. People from all over flock to these areas to see them and even take pictures in front of them. But because these are the only ones that get recognition, other neighborhoods become invisible. Making them feel disconnected from the city. People who don’t live in the area or these communities pass by without a second glance. Missing these hidden sights that are so spectacular when you come across them. Never knowing they were there until you go looking.
Although, there are many artists in Detroit who make it their goal to show these unique neighborhoods that go underrated by people outside of the area. These artists use their art to make these communities feel connected.
Elton Monroy Durán is one of those artists. Originally from Mexico, he moved to Detroit in 2014 to pursue his passion for art. He lives in Mexicantown, which is a Latino community in Southwest Detroit. He creates these huge lively murals that bring pride to his community. Painting on local shop walls and inside buildings, Durán makes it his goal to showcase Mexican culture and heritage. Most of the residents that live in the neighborhood are immigrants, some who are here illegally, so they hideaway. But through Durán’s art, they now have a new sense of pride and celebration throughout the neighborhood. Whether it is by showcasing some important figures from Mexico, like Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Rivera, who already has an important impact on the Detroit art scene with the “Detroit Industry Murals”. Or an icon like, Pedro Armendáriz, who was a famous actor in the 40’s and 50’s. Even by just showing celebration these murals help strengthen the community. One of the main importance of Durán’s work is a connection. He wants to be able to connect the people in the specific community but also connect to everyone in the surrounding Detroit area.
When tourists come to Detroit, there are few districts, like the Eastern Market, that get recognized. But there is much more than meets the eye in the city. Thomas Leeper’s goal is to uncover the gems in the city’s art scene. “Every Liner Mile” is the name of the project Leeper has been working on since 2017. He goes biking across the entire city of Detroit capturing all the art he comes across on his travel. Although, there is a main focus on public murals. This documentation of public murals allows people to notice art outside of heavy traffic areas of Detroit. The invisible neighborhoods can gain recognition by this. Artists and communities alike see their art and neighborhoods getting seen on social media. Which brings pride to them knowing that their work is out there bringing people together.
Philip Simpson is another artist that boosts the community in Detroit. A majority of his art is focused on making people smile. He is a big promoter of other local artists and even founded the Baltimore Gallery, which was known for its diverse shows profoundly among the young Black art scene. His public murals can be seen all around the city, all with the iconic smiley face. This idea of making people smile is his way to bring people together and feeling connected to the city.
The city of Detroit has also put more focus on art. In the summer of 2017, Detroit started the City Walls project which brought local artists an opportunity to show the values and identity of the communities. Many artists were a part of this project, all contributing unique art to the city.
The City Walls project also has a website. This website allows artists to register their murals so they won’t get ticketed. It also has a gallery that shows the murals that are documented have the title and name of the artist if possible. There is also a section that allows the public to propose a mural. Because the city and institutions of Detroit are so willing to promote and funds the arts it really helps strengthen the community of the city. This new resurgence of public murals that is spouting out all over Detroit has brought a new sense of pride and community to the city. This project allows artists and people alike to come together to make these huge murals.
Another institution in Detroit that promotes the arts and connects the people is “Murals in the Market”. Part of the Eastern Market’s way of supporting the arts is a website and group that helps document artists and their work. On the website, there is a list of all the murals in the Eastern Market with the name of the artist. Along with the documentation of the art is a small biography of all the artists that art a part of “Murals in the Market”. This allows the artist to get seen and recognized away from the Eastern Market. The group also holds events that invite artists and people of the community together to discuss the arts and celebrate Detroit.
All the art created has the main focus around the city of Detroit and its communities. From the upper east side to southwest Detroit the art has spread. Detroit’s unique way of rejoicing public murals not only allows local artists to be seen but also shows the community to outside viewers. People who visit Detroit now can see what personality and passion the city has. For a long time, Detroit has been viewed by the hardships it has faced. But now people can see what Detroit really is, a cultural hub for the arts.
Works Cited
Diaz, Freddy. Bienvenidos a Southwest. City Walls, Detroit.
Durán, Elton Monroy. Dream Picker. Detroit.
Photographed by Julianne Lindsey.
Durán, Elton Monroy. Plaza Del Norte Welcome Center. Detroit.
Photographed by Julianne Lindsey.
Durán, Elton Monroy. Tamaleria Nuevo Leon. Detroit.
Photographed by Julianne Lindsey.
Felle. 7 Mile. City Walls, Detroit.
Ledo, Kevin. Murals in the Market, Detroit.
Leeper, Thomas. "People Have the Power" Jake Dywer. Detroit.
Leeper, Thomas. Untitled Mural. Detroit.
Leeper, Thomas. “Untitled” OUIZI. Detroit.
Mondry, Aaron. “Biking Every Mile of Detroit.” Curbed Detroit, Curbed Detroit, 11 June 2019, detroit.curbed.com/2019/6/11/18661580/every-linear-mile-thomas-leeper-biking-detroit.
Mondry, Aaron. “How This Mexican Muralist Sees and Paints Southwest Detroit.” Curbed Detroit, Curbed Detroit, 19 June 2019, detroit.curbed.com/2019/6/19/18640451/elton-monroy-duran-southwest-detroit-mural-mexican.
Perry, Pat. Immigrant Arrival. City Walls, Detroit.
Simpson, Philip. Smiles. City Walls, Detroit.