Detroit-based artist Tyree Guyton uses found and recycled objects in his neighborhood installations and standalone sculptures. These paint cans may have been saved from the house paint that he used in the Heidelberg Project in Detroit. Guyton often incorporates American flags into his work and frequently uses his art to comment on America's troubled past, as well as current social and political issues that he observes. “My art is a medicine for the community. You can’t heal the land until you heal the minds of the people,” says Guyton.
Reflection Prompts:
Notice the cracked, rearview mirror on top of the crate. What does this mirror symbolize for you? How can looking to America’s past help inform us about changes that still need to be made today?
The paint cans seem to reference the stripes of the American flag. The fabric flag is not precisely folded but stuffed into the box, showcasing mostly stars. How might this piece represent America? Its past, present, and future? Its people? Its silenced history over BIPOC communities? Immigrants? Refugees?
Today, August 4, is Michigan’s primary election!
If you are in Michigan and you have not submitted your absentee ballot yet, you can return your completed absentee ballot by delivering it to your local clerk’s office before the 8 p.m. deadline on August 4. Some offices are even offering ballot “drop boxes” to make returning your ballot easier. You can also check the status of your absent voter ballot request and returned ballot at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
"We are Black athletes and artists working together. Our priority right now is combating systemic, racist voter suppression by educating, energizing, and protecting our community in 2020."
The Ann Arbor City Clerk's office recently hosted a contest for local students to design "I Voted" stickers that will be used for the presidential election in November 2020. Visit the link below to check out the winning designs!
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