Gratiot Griot is the first solo museum exhibition of mixed mediacollage artist Judy Bowman highlighting her extensive career as a storyteller of African American life.
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.
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Clare Gatto. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD
Judy Bowman, Detroit Swagger, 2022. Mixed media
collage on canvas 48 x 60 in 121.9 x 152.4 cm. Image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Clare Gatto. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD
Judy Bowman. Mom On Seneca, 2020. 36 x 48 in 91.4 x 121.9 cm. Courtesy of the artist. “Mom On Seneca depicts my home on the Eastside of Detroit in the early 1960s. It was not rare to see the adults enjoying a competitive and lively game of cards, while us kids were off watching television and finding our own mischief in the den – a cultural scene in the fabric of many Black homes and traditions. Laughter mixed with trash talking filled the atmosphere and music played in the background.”
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Clare Gatto. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Judy Bowman. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
Judy Bowman, Proud Papa, 2022. Mixed media
collage on canvas 48 x 36 in 121.9 x 91.4 cm. Image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Judy Bowman, Relaxing With Me Blues, 2022. Mixed
media collage on canvas 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm. Image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Judy Bowman. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
Judy Bowman, She’s My Sister, 2022. Mixed-media collage on canvas. 48 x 48 in. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Judy Bowman. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
Installation view “Gratiot Griot”, Judy Bowman. Photo by Samantha Bankle. Courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
Judy Bowman, Chillin’ At The Armory Show, 2022. Mixed media collage on canvas 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm. Image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Judy Bowman, The Golden Time Of Day, 2022Mixed
media collage on canvas 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm. Image courtesy the artist and MOCAD.
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