Critical Stuff Collective Premiers at Art Clvb's Art Club
Tryst Red speaks to gallery-goers during open hours at Art Club in the Islandview location.
The "Self Preservation: Re-Forming Image" exhibition, co-curated by myself and Sonia Litynskyj, took place from September 27-29, 2024, during Art Fair | Detroit. Held at 1111 Bellevue St. in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, the show featured work by local artists Deo, Tryst Red, and Hayla Hay. The exhibition explored the concept of self-preservation in the digital age, rethinking traditional self-portraiture through identity-based artwork.
The show presented a range of pieces that examined how we interact with the camera in our modern world, questioning what it means to capture and re-form our identities through the lens. By drawing on Roland Barthes' theory that "death is the essence of the photograph," the exhibition asked viewers to reconsider how they view self-representation and preservation.
Each artist brought a unique perspective: Deo’s haunting works explored themes of erasure and visibility, Tryst Red focused on the fragility of the body in the digital realm, and Hayla Hay combined mixed media to blur the line between physical and digital identity. These powerful pieces challenged the boundaries of self-expression in an era of endless image-making.
The historic venue, with its aged textures and rich atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this exploration of the intersection between the old and the new. Visitors engaged with the artwork in a meaningful way, sparking discussions about how we document ourselves and navigate identity in the age of social media.
Art Fair | Detroit proved to be a crucial platform for emerging and mid-career artists, connecting them with a broader audience. "Self Preservation: Re-Forming Image" was a highlight of the event, showcasing Detroit-based talent and encouraging deep reflection on the role of imagery in shaping our sense of self.
This exhibition, and its focus on self-representation, reaffirms the importance of contemporary art as a tool for understanding identity in our rapidly evolving digital culture. We’re proud to have curated a space for these vital conversations and look forward to future opportunities to explore how art can challenge and transform.
