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Above: An "Empire" scene with Jussie Smollett shows the prominent set decoration role of African American art in Fox's hit series.
We welcome reader feedback and believe there are no bad questions. And as this follow-up shows, what you ask may inspire coverage.
Our preview this week of "30 Americans," a three-month exhibition opening Sunday at the DIA, drew a question from a reader posting as KDogg: "FUBU models on canvas? Why not just click on TV?"
The painting at left is a 2013 oil by Kehinde Wilde, titled "World Stage, Prince Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victori." (Photo by Chuck Hodes)
We assume he's serious and referring to "Empire," a Fox series in its second season. At least two painters with multiple canvases in "30 Americans," Kehinde WIley and the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, have been represented on the TV drama about a family struggle to control Empire Entertainment, a hip-hop label and entertainment company.
We relayed the question, which refers to art that's "for us by us," to Valerie J. Mercer, head of the DIA's Center for African American Art since 2001.
"I watch 'Empire,' too," the curator says by phone. "It's a wonderful show, but it's no substitute for seeing original art in person."
As her first example, Mercer cites Wiley, a 38-year-old Brooklyn painter who has had at least four canvases on "Empire" sets. "Wiley's skill in drawing and brush work, his understanding of the human body, his use of light and shade have to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. It's just so beautifully done."
Three of his oils are in "30 Americans," which has 55 artworks on view through Jan. 18. (One of his best-known and most stunning creations, "Officer of the Hussars," is in the DIA's permanent collection and appeared repeatedly on an office wall in the first season of "Empire.")
Valerie J. Mercer, the DIA's first curator of African Americn art: "Even I was amazed by how much more vivid a lot of the work looked."
Mercer describes her reaction to standing in front of the "30 Americans" collection at a New Orleans exhibit in 2013 after having seen digital images: "Even I was amazed by how much more vivid a lot of the work looked when I saw it with my own eyes."
She adds: :"Photography and cameras don't capture a lot of the aspects of the works. Some of the works are quite surprising."
The DIA curator, who obviously welcomes the art education value of "Empire," shares another reason why "it's so important" to experience fine art first-hand: "If you appreciate artists, it's just not fair to them not to see their work" on a wall, rather than only on a screen.
Call it the ultimate in high-definition viewing.
Plan your visit
- Opening celebration: Oct. 17, 7-11 p.m. Benefit for Friends of African and African American Art. Tickets ($175) available here.
- Reserved admission: Hourly entry tickets, which include an audio tour, can be booked here; $14 for adults, $10 for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb residents; $7 for ages 6-17 (or $5 for tricounty youths).
- Free days for anyone: Sunday debut, Jan. 18 finale and first weekends of November, December and January (Nov. 7-8, Dec. 5-6, Jan. 2-3)
Related coverage:
- Why DIA's Next Exhibit Is Called '30 Americans,' Not '30 African-Americans,' Oct. 12
- 'Empire' Set Decorators and DIA Like This Painter's Vivid Work, March 19
"Bird on Money,' a 1981 oil and acrylic canvas by Jean-Michel Basquiat, is in "30 Americans" at the Detroit Institute of Arts. His work has been featured on "Empire."
