Although our lives rely completely on a hyper-industrial global economy, a belief in the promise of industrialization itself — which is the promise of less burdensome living for all — is on the wane, especially in a city like Detroit, where it is all too apparent that a total reliance on massive and industrial economic drivers has significant drawbacks. However, few indeed — myself included — would argue that the building of any new factories in the area represents anything but a positive gain for the city. Thus we find ourselves in a paradox of enthusiasm, fear of and reliance upon industrialization.
A view of "Post-industrial Complex." Image by Corine Vermeulen, courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
The show currently on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (a Knight Arts grantee), “Post-industrial Complex,” adds to this dialogue by presenting what could be described as the practical folk industry of area makers who, for a wide variety of reasons, have decided to take matters in their own hands. Their handmade creations include a rocket, a syrup collection service, a hydroelectric turbine and much more. Accompanying each piece is a video interview with the maker to provide more background on the inspiration and motivation for their work.
Another view of "Post-industrial Complex." Image by Corine Vermeulen, courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
On display concurrent to “Post-industrial Complex” is an independent project and exhibition curated by architectural historian and critic Nina Rappaport, titled “Vertical Urban Factory.” Serving as a rapid education on the history of the factory — as well as the contemporary state and future hopes for industry — “Vertical Urban Factory” provides critical context to understanding how it is we’ve gotten to the current state of globalized industrial economies, and offers hints to what we might expect — or, perhaps, should demand — from the development of urban factories in the future.
One room of "Vertical Urban Factory." Photo by Corine Vermeulen, courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
“Post-industrial Complex” is on display through July 29 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit: 4454 Woodward Ave.; 313-832-6622; mocadetroit.org.
