Sunday, March 15, 2015

A Detroit Treasure

When Detroit was going through their bankruptcy, there were many folks who just wanted them to sell off the art works held by the Detroit Institute of Arts to bail the City out of debt.  While that may have solved the immediate money problem, their structural issues and bad management for fifty years could not be solved by paying some bills.

Fortunately, thanks to a 'Grand Bargain', the art was saved.  Among the many treasures at the museum is a mural created in 1932 by Mexican artist Diego Rivera.  I have seen this mural many times on trips to the DIA.  Yesterday, I made another trip to view it and visit the members-only preview of the exhibit 'Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit'.

It was fascinating.  I had seen the movie 'Frida' some years ago and had some knowledge of their lives.  But to actually see Frida's paintings was a real pleasure.

Of course, like a complete idiot, I left my camera sitting on the entry table when I departed my home.  I also left my phone in my car in the parking garage.  Alas, no pictures of the mural (pictures in the exhibit are not allowed).  So, here is this link to a site devoted to Diego Rivera.

There was no shortage of members yesterday viewing the exhibit.  Long lines even with our timed tickets.  Parking was a disaster with some folks having to park many blocks away.  Freeways were completely closed for repairs and/or construction.  The entrance ramp I needed was closed on my return necessitating a rather detailed and round about way through Wayne State's campus to re-enter the freeway.  All and all - a great day.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

5 comments:

  1. I was holding my breath when I heard they thought of selling the great art held here. I have visited the art institute 3 times and I think it is one of the best. To think they had the mind-blowing stupid idea to sell the art work just appalled me. You are absolutely right that they need to look at the root problem because, if they would have sold the art works, they would have been still in the same problem but now without anything else for people to see in Detroit...well almost.

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    1. I would not post this in my blog itself, but I was astonished that I only noticed one African-American viewing the exhibit, though most of the workers were African-American. But, that is usually what I see when I visit. Sad, really, and hard to explain.

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  2. I like the murals. So much detail, so much color. Yet at the same time it's sort of muted or subdued. Makes a very relaxing feel.

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  3. They look as though they would be quite astounding. I know the name but am unfamiliar with his works. Selling off such treasures would be a terrible thing to do for Detroit. I am presently appalled by all the destruction being carried out by ISIS - I fail to understand any group of people who can destroy priceless art works of any kind. It has happened through history of course - can you imagine what has been lost to the world.

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    1. I heard a report on the radio yesterday that some of the looted treasures from the Middle East as a result of the destruction are showing up on eBay. eBay says they remove them if they are told they have been stolen. Guess this is how they are financing their war.

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