New DIA Exhibit Explores the ‘Art of Rebellion’

Looking back at an era of artists’ resistance.

Jake Neher/WDET

This weekend, the Detroit Institute of Arts will open its newest exhibit: “Art of Rebellion: Black Art of the Civil Rights Movement.” Curator Valerie Mercer joins Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson to talk about the collection, and the centrality of art to social change.

The exhibit— which opens on Sunday and runs through October—explores the art collectives in the 1960s and 70s that created work by and for Black audiences. 

“Artists want to express the political time in which they live,” says Mercer.

Click the audio player above to listen to the full conversation

Author

  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.