Taubman College Anya Sirota commissioned to create exhibition for Detroit summer arts series
On July 2, The Carr Center is unveiling a new sculpture series for the summer concert series.
The Carr Center commissioned the collaborative installation by University of Michigan architecture faculty member Anya Sirota and director and founder of the Detroit African Bead Museum Olayami Dabls to compliment the Summer in the Park series, the free, contemporary art and music program in Paradise Valley Harmonie Park.
Alluding to themes of the African diaspora, the project introduces a family of wooden forms that engage visitors. Hand painted layered surfaces and reflective mirrors create abstract flickering effects with color and light. The sculptures define the park’s performance spaces and pathways, creating inspiring spatial and social effects.
The installation consists of nine painted and reflective sculptures and an interactive environment for performance. It will open in Harmonie Park July 2, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. followed by a concert featuring T. Money Green at 6:00 p.m.
University of Michigan architecture faculty member Anya Sirota + Akoaki design studio is best known for its prominent urban interventions and surprising juxtapositions that amplify cultural programming and social experience.
“Our concept was to invert the orientation of the park and to create a series of markers that animate the perimeter of the park’s performance spaces,” Sirota explains. “In the process, we’ve had the unique opportunity to work in collaboration with Olayami Dabls, a renowned artist, and that makes the project truly exceptional.”
Olayami Dabls is a Detroit-based artist, curator, visual storyteller, and founder of the African Bead Museum, located in Detroit.
For more information, call The Carr Center at 313-965-8430 or visit www.thecarrcenter.org.
Photos taken by Charlene Uresy
