Detroit in Motion

THE STRAITS

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Detroit was founded as a French fort on Iroquois land along the river connecting Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. The city’s name, derived from the French “le détroit” (the strait), reflects its identity as a crossroads—a maritime intersection linking east and west, north and south, and the United States and Canada. Detroit was a crossing point on the Underground railway, a destination of the Great Migration, and the launchpad for the mass production revolution that has reached every corner of the world. 

Its central location as a hub of trade and commerce propelled it to become the epicenter of American industry in the 20th century. Taylorism and Fordism transformed Detroit into, in the words of John Dos Passos, “the Yukon of the sweated workers of the world.”

Once known as the “Paris of the West” for its ornate buildings, Detroit became home to some of the most magnificent architecture in the United States. Its cultural contributions—both high and low—have made an impact on the world.

2024 marked ten years since Detroit exited the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. For the first time since the 1960s, the city’s population is growing. Once a symbol of deindustrialization, Detroit is now experiencing America's fastest real estate boom. But, as in the Gilded Age that shaped Detroit’s rise, great wealth for a few exists alongside struggle for the many.

The Straits explores a city in motion, blending portraiture, photojournalism, and architectural photography to tell the story of Detroit as it enters the second quarter of the new century. 

A traditional mexican dancer.

A traditional Mexican dancer from Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel performs at a Detroit Symphony Orchestra Neighborhood concert series at St. Hedwig Church in Southwest Detroit on May 26, 2024.

Price: $500.
All proceeds above printing costs will be donated to Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel.

A man in a black Chicago Bulls cap and an orange T-shirt is dancing, with his hand on his head and his eyes closed. People are gathered around him, watching.

An dancer during a performance by Juan Atkins, one of the founders of Detroit Techno, on May 30, 2020. Price: $400

Detroit's Masonic Temple.

The Detroit Masonic Temple, built in 1926, is the largest Masonic temple in the world and a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Designed by George Mason, this landmark in Detroit’s Cass Corridor features over 1,000 rooms, including theaters, ballrooms, and lodge rooms. Price: $500

City skyline at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers and a colorful sunset sky.

One Woodward Avenue, designed by the renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki and completed in 1962.

Price: $500

The Demolition of the American Motors Company headquarters in Detroit.

The demolition of the American Motors Company headquarters in 2022.
Price: $200

The Joy and Alpine Trailhead of the Joe Louis Greenway. Children playing on a playground with a vertical climbing structure, slide, and a tube slide, against a cloudy evening sky in a park.

The Joy and Alpine Trailhead of the Joe Louis Greenway, opened in 2023
Price: $200

Troupe Vertigo performs at Detroit's Orchestra Hall. A performer in a yellow costume balanced on a tall pole, suspended upside down in a theater with ornate ceiling decorations and stage lighting.

An acrobat from Troop Vertigo practices at Detroit's Orchestra Hall in February 2022.
Price: $500

A Civic Youth Ensemble Musician from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Young man in blue suit standing in a room with large windows, holding a double bass.

Bassist Troy Perkins, a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles, in April 2023
Price: $500
All proceeds above printing costs will be donated to the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles.

A large cargo ship crosses the Detroit river at sunset with the city in the background. Large green cargo ship named Bluebill sailing on a river at sunset with a city skyline in the background.

Bulk Freighter Bluebill at anchor in the Detroit River in October 2022.
Price: $500

A large offshore oil drilling platform floating on water during sunset, with an American flag and a flock of birds in the sky.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge approaches competition in March 2024
Price: $500

Industrial factory along a river at sunset with large smoke plumes and industrial structures.

Detroit's Zug Island, captured in March 2024
Price: $500

Group of diverse workers protesting, holding signs that say 'UAW On Strike' and other slogans, some raising fists.

Workers on strike at Toledo Jeep Assembly on September 15, 2023.
Not for sale

A woman holding a small dog standing on a residential lawn in front of a brick house with a porch, trees, and neighboring houses, under a partly cloudy sky.

A resident of the Russell Woods neighborhood in Detroit’s West side.

Price: $500

Detroit's American Riad. A close-up view of a geometric, patterned ceiling with gold and blue panels, featuring intricate cut-out designs and illuminated with warm and cool lighting.

American Riad. Captured August 25, 2024.

Price: $500

The Interior of Detroit's Michigan central station. Interior of a grand historic train station with tall arched windows, ornate chandeliers, and polished wooden floors, with several people walking and standing around.

The grand re-opening of Michigan central Station, captured June 13, 2024.

Price: $500