The Detroit Institute of Arts by Alton DuLaney

 The Detroit Institute of Arts by Alton DuLaney

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Detroit photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Located in Detroit, Michigan, the Detroit Institute of Arts, or the DIA, is considered one of the top museums in the USA, with over 650,000 square feet of exhibit space, and a collection of over 65,000 works valued at over 8 billion dollars.

Diego Rivera at the DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The museum is famous for a few things, among them it was the first museum to purchase a Van Gogh in the USA. But more famous than the Van Gogh, is the Diego Rivera frescos titled, Detroit Industry, that celebrates Detroit's industrial and automotive past in Rivera's signature muralistic style. The installation fills the upper and lower levels of the grand marble court of the museum, and is a powerful testament and tribute to Rivera and the Motor City.

Picasso at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Leger at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The museum also has a great collection of the masters, from Picasso to Van Gogh to Oldenburg to Giacometti to Leger. Everything you would expect from a world class museum.

Albers at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

 There was also a great collection of some of my favorite "cubist" art pieces - that is artist that use cubes or other geometric shapes in their work. Joseph Albers is always a favorite, with his subtle hues.

Duchamp at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

 This piece with no title or visible marks on the canvas is a minimalist conceptual piece by Marcel Duchamp. Clearly he loved a good concept. And so do I.

Rothkoat DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Mark Rothko is always lovely to behold, with his vibrant colors and graphic compositions.

Stella at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

Frank Stella jumps off the wall with bold colors and strong shapes in this rare 2-d piece.

Judd at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

And being from Texas, I have to give a shout out to Marfa's favorite adopted son, Donald Judd, whose metal lit boxes seduce the viewer with light and shadow.

Warhol at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

 In addition to the cubes, there are representations from some of my favorite experimentally conceptual artist, including the omnipresent Andy Warhol, above.

Koons at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

 Jeff Koons can do no wrong as long as he keeps tittilating the art world into conversation. His pastries under glass evoke one of my favorite questions "Is this art?"

Abramovich at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

The patron saint of performance art, Marina Abramovich has her token video included in the collection reminding naysayers "don't cry over spilled milk!"

Brecht at DIA photographed by Alton DuLaney November 2015

And then we have George Brecht with his public service announcement wallpaper: No Smoking. But really, who smokes anymore?

After spending the whole afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts I concluded that the museum lives up to its image and reputation, as a world class museum, in what was once a major capital of the US, (and this determination was arrived at without even seeing thee special exhibit, 30 Americans - oh well, there is always next time.)

For more info: http://www.dia.org/