Larger-than-Life Sculptures Embody Detroit’s Essence
Tiff Massey, the youngest artist ever to have a solo show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, has created a remarkable exhibition titled “7 Mile +Livernois.”
Her large-scale sculptures, crafted from materials like metal and beads, embody the essence of Detroit’s Black community and culture.
A Celebration of Blackness and Flyness
Massey’s bold and unapologetic pieces are a “call to Blackness” and a celebration of Detroit’s “nativeness and essence.” As she explains, “It’s all in these other cultural hubs, where you see this level of flyness, where we [as Black people] will take these things that are overlooked, and we will make that look fly AF.”
“It’s not about me; it’s a love letter to my city. I’m the youngest artist to ever exhibit at the museum, and I’m probably the only one who looks like me from 7 Mile & Livernois,” Massey shared.
Embracing Community and Collaborative Spirit
Massey’s artistic journey has been supported by the collective effort of Detroit’s community. Local businesses like James Oliver Coffee Co., Nemo’s Bar, Ottava Via, Mudgie’s Deli, and Spot Lite have provided a nurturing environment, ensuring that the artist could put her best foot forward.
“Based on where my studio is located, I have a few businesses that have been taking care of me and holding me down throughout the creative process because they knew what I was working on,” Massey expressed.
Honoring African Adornment and Hip-Hop Culture
Massey’s artistic style is heavily influenced by Hip-Hop and the African diaspora’s rich traditions of adornment.
Her pieces, such as the 15,000-pound “Whatupdoe” necklace, invite viewers to immerse themselves in a larger-than-life experience, transcending individual adornment.
Challenging Artistic Censorship and Embracing Diversity
Amidst threats to artistic expression and the LGBTQ+ community’s creativity, Massey emphasizes the importance of artists’ voices in shaping societal perspectives.
She believes that artists have a responsibility to “teach you how to see,” challenging censorship and embracing diversity in all its forms.
