Irwin House Gallery presents PRODIGY, a group exhibition observing ten flourishing emerging artists who stand as representation of and hope for the future of art. Of each, the exhibition asks for their genuine lived and historical inspections, as well as surreal and time-forward musings in both conventional and alternative media. The exhibition brings together creators of varying backgrounds, invites fresh voices to Detroit’s robust arts scene, and encourages participating artists to explore and continue pushing the boundaries of art.
Artists often carry the seed of invention from the start – some expressing creativity from conception and others ignited by their environs. An artistic voice is cured over time and the most courageous commit to bearing their personal truths, realities and fears, through their work, for a living and a lifetime. This exhibition recognizes these young professionals in forging their creative paths and celebrates how far they have come, as well as how much further they promise to go.
“Making a decision to commit yourself to your art is a bold choice that is often unpopular and fraught with interruptions,“ states Gallery Director, Misha McGlown. “On a day-to-day, even minute-to-minute basis, there are any number of things to knock an artist off their game, so any young person who’s committed themselves to art as a way of life, we want to recognize that, celebrate their milestones along the way and encourage them, however we can, to stay the course. They are the future of art.”
PRODIGY features new work by some of Metro Detroit’s most exciting emerging talent including Terrell Anglin, who has continued to expand on his mixed media pyrography practice since debuting at Irwin House Gallery last year, and Loralee Grace, a Western Michigan transplant whose landscape oils are infused with wonder and insights from her extensive world travels. Quadre Curry reveals new, sculptural work that builds on his sold-out solo exhibition at the gallery earlier this spring, and Halima Afi Cassells, an award-winning interdisciplinary community-engaged artist, contributes a site-specific installation that challenges viewers to contemplate our current global economic systems. Local artists Kaleigh Blevins, Marlo Broughton, Erik Smith and Nonnie Williams are also sharing new work in this exhibit along with Marlon Ivory, a West Coast pyrography and mixed media artist brought in by Terrell Anglin and showing in Detroit for the first time. Additionally, Rotimi Godwin was introduced by gallery friend and collector, Sandra Halladay, and his works will be making their U.S. debut from Nigeria, Africa. Throughout the exhibit, biographical videos will be rolled out on each artist via the gallery’s YouTube channel and on social media. An on-line catalog will also be published for remote viewers.
PRODIGY opens on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm and runs through October 15, 2022. Exhibition hours of operation are 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Weds-Sat and 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday; by appointment other days/times. Any inquiries may be directed to Gallery Director, Misha McGlown at irwinhousegallery@gmail.com or 313.932.7690. Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery, 2351 W. Grand Blvd. (between LaSalle & Linwood), Detroit, MI 48208 | FB + IG: @irwinhousegallery | View the Facebook invitation HERE.