Detroit Institute of Arts Highlights African American Galleries with Prominent Reinstallation

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is set to reimagine its African American galleries for the first time since 2007, presenting a refreshed exhibition titled “Reimagine African American Art.” This initiative highlights newly acquired works alongside existing pieces, providing a comprehensive view of African American culture’s evolution. Located near Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Murals,” the exhibition spans two centuries, showcasing the resilience and achievements of Black artists from the 1800s through the 1980s.

Valerie Mercer, the curator and head of the DIA’s Center for African American Art, emphasizes the lack of African American art history education and the importance of this exhibition. The DIA’s commitment to African American art, marked by the establishment of its dedicated Center in 2000, has positioned the museum as a leading institution with a significant collection in this field.

The exhibition features four dedicated galleries that delve into pivotal movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, Social Realism, the Civil Rights era, and the Black Arts Movement. The collection includes diverse media, such as drawings, prints, photography, paintings, and sculptures, from noted artists like Robert S. Duncanson, Mary Edmonia Lewis, Aaron Douglas, Dox Thrash, and others.

This installation not only celebrates African American artistic innovation but also places it within the broader context of U.S. history. Looking ahead, the DIA plans to integrate African American art into its global galleries by 2026, broadening its dialogue with art from around the world. More details can be found at dia.org.