BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Artist, educator, messenger.
International artist Nick Cave is bringing his latest exhibit to a place he carries close to his heart, the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills.
"Nick is 1989 graduate of Cranbrook Academy of Art," art curator Laura Mott said. "Cave said that the time he spent in Detroit was critical to his growth as an artist, and now he is returning to capture the positive energy currently enveloping the city."
Metro Detroit is where Cave launched his largest performance series ever. His Soundsuits will unexpectedly invade the city for a series of photo shoots, sculptures and live performances.
"Detroit continues to be an always-surprising environment of creativity, excitement, and engagement," Cave said.
So what is Soundsuit? Cave first created a suit in the aftermath of the Rodney King beating in 1991, envisioning an emotional shield that protected one's race or gender -- while still expressing individuality.
The Cranbrook Art Museum is serving as the producer for the entire Nick Cave project, and will be home to the exhibition Nick Cave: Here Hear, that will include a 7,000-square-foot exhibition of Soundsuits, recent sculptures, and newly commissioned artworks.
The exhibition is on view from June 20 through October 11.
The Cranbrook Art Museum is partnering with the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) to present three Dance Labs designed by Cave. He will pair three local dance companies with three groups of musicians to create their own choreographed works with his extraordinary sound suits.
Dance Lab - Public performance schedule:
Sunday, July 19, 4pm
The Ruth Ellis Center
77 Victor St
Highland Park, MI 48203
Sunday, July 26, 4pm
The Dequindre Cut
A below-level path that runs parallel to St. Aubin Street, between Mack Avenue and Woodbridge Street just north of the riverfront in Detroit.
Friday, July 31, 6:30-7:30pm
Campus Martius
800 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
For more on Nick Cave's exhibit: http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/nickcave/