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 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.
An dancer during a performance by Juan Atkins, one of the founders of Detroit Techno, on May 30, 2020. Price: $400
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
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 2022.
Price: $200
The Joy and Alpine Trailhead of the Joe Louis Greenway, opened in 2023
Price: $200
An acrobat from Troop Vertigo practices at Detroit's Orchestra Hall in February 2022.
Price: $500
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.
Bulk Freighter Bluebill at anchor in the Detroit River in October 2022.
Price: $500
The Gordie Howe International Bridge approaches competition in March 2024
Price: $500
Detroit's Zug Island, captured in March 2024
Price: $500
Workers on strike at Toledo Jeep Assembly on September 15, 2023.
Not for sale
A resident of the Russell Woods neighborhood in Detroit’s West side.
Price: $500
American Riad. Captured August 25, 2024.
Price: $500
The grand re-opening of Michigan central Station, captured June 13, 2024.
Price: $500