Detroit, Michigan: 1) ranks in the top 10 for highest murder rates, according to the FBI; 2) consistently scores as one of the most overweight cities in the U.S.; 3) graduates less than 25% of students from its public school system…
BUT THANK GOODNESS for Detroit Councilwoman Barbara-Rose Collins and her colleagues who somehow find the time to decide which pieces of donated art are acceptable for public installation. We know she’s “highly-intelligent and well-informed” from her official biography, and it’s these qualities she undoubtedly brings to her insightful assessment of sculpture (in front of media, no less):
“Paradise Valley was not about modern, Picasso-type stuff.”
“We wanted art reflective of Paradise Valley, not reflective of some artist’s vision of the universe as it exists in their mind”
And irking in a ‘my kid could make that’ sort of way, while looking at one particular sculpture: “Do you know what that is?” Let’s envision a chuckle and shoulder shrug for good measure.
The three rejected pieces were created by well-known, Detroit-based artist Tyree Guyton, Todd Erickson, and Alice Smith. Read the story here.
Hey, at least they have a nice airport. Happy weekend, everyone!
Gotta love when politicians legislate art.