Discover Sydney G. James solo exhibition “Girl Raised in Detroit“, currently on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) until September 3, 2023. The exhibition highlights this visionary artist’s versatile career as a muralist, illustrator, cultural organizer and ambassador for her native Detroit. Sydney G. James work explores the notion of freedom for black people, addressing themes such as the meaning and culture of safe space, the importance of community and protection. Through large-scale paintings and sculptural installations, she pays homage to resilience and perseverance, elevating these sources of inspiration to the status of monuments.
Considered one of the region’s leading portrait artists, Sydney G. James redefines the relationship between artist and muse in this exhibition. The paintings depict figures on a scale beyond their mere physical presence, offering a public platform for deep conversation and reflection. Working closely with family, friends and contemporaries, the artist modifies and redefines the power dynamics that exist within these relationships. Sydney G. James muses invite us to dive deeper into their personal histories, adding a dimension of struggle to social constructions as black people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
In her installation entitled “The Westside Johnsons“, Sydney G. James explores safe spaces by turning to the domestic sphere. The recreation of her grandparents’ 70s living room inside the museum creates an atmosphere of hospitality that envelops visitors. This scene, depicted in one of the artist’s largest paintings, invites viewers to sit on a sofa and reflect. This environment evokes a positive, loving and intact family structure. As a key figure in the Detroit art community and beyond, Sydney G. James, supported by her mural festival, BLKOUT Walls, aspires to be an example to others, building on her own journey.
To support and inspire her muses, Sydney G. James must also be honest about her own tribulations, whether individual or collective. Some took a long time to find the support and strength to be themselves, and they are represented with masks made from recycled clothing, which carry these stories within them. These masks stand out in relief from the surface of the paintings, which, unlike European and Western traditions, are not stretched. The canvases, hung like African tapestries, are framed by borders that conceal the rough edges, as if hiding a trauma behind a mask.
Sydney G. James most sculptural work consists of a series of four images of his own portrait suspended from the ceiling, each more abstract than the last. This composition exposes his introspection and invites visitors to contribute their own view and perspective on the artist. Drawing easels and supplies are placed in front of each self-portrait, encouraging visitors to create their own space in collaboration with Sydney G. James.
Explore the captivating world of Sydney G. James and immerse yourself in his exhibition “Girl Raised in Detroit” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. The artist pushes the boundaries of contemporary African art and invites us to reflect on freedom, community and resilience. Be inspired by this visionary who uses her art to transform and transcend social and cultural barriers.
