Judy Bowman is a mixed-media collage artist born and raised in Detroit, MI. After Bowman retired as principal of the Detroit Academy of Arts and Science, she rebooted her career as an artist. Her art practice centers on exalting America’s Black culture. Bowman’s use of vibrant hues, textured paper, and acrylic paint illuminates’ narratives that move beyond the disparaged perspectives rooted in institutional racism.

MOCAD presents Gratiot Griot, her the first solo museum exhibition. In West African tradition, a griot is a storyteller who, through creative performance, preserves and shares the cultural legacy and histories of their people. Gratiot Griot highlights Bowman’s extensive career as a storytelle and the intimate landscape of neighborhoods, homes, and gathering places that encouraged Bowman’s development as a griot. From kindergarten teacher to working artist, Bowman’s practice is rooted in engaging people through stories to reveal under-recognized histories. This exhibition presents new works by Bowman that invite viewers to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of life across the African diaspora.

Gratiot Griot is on view at MOCAD from October 29, 2022 – March 25, 2023.