Heidelberg

On my last day in Detroit I visited the Heidelberg Project. The Heidelberg Project in an art installation that spans the city block. Artist, Tyree Guyton grew up on a once lively and diverse Heidelberg street.But raising racism and police brutality erupted into the 1967 Detroit Riots. Anger and inequality shook the city at its core. Homes were destroyed and many residents fled the city. Guyton watched the destruction of his block and his city at the young age of 12. In 1986 he began his work on Heidelberg. With the help of friends and family he begun to clean up the blocks abundant vacant lots and abandoned homes. He collected old toys and home goods that had been left behind. Guyton cleaned, painted, and sculpted the block into a massive artwork, a statement of the city's despair with a twinge of hope that maybe things could repair. Houses and trees became colorful sculptures and polka dots along the road unified the whole area. On a number of occasions the city destroyed parts of the Heidelberg Project yet operating as a non-profit organization, Heidelberg has been able to continue its growth. It stands today as a piece of hope that the crumbling city may someday mend.

Many Pictures of the same look I know, but my sisters friend Michael took some great photographs while we were there.

 

 

 Shirt- Zara, pants- Forever 21, Shoes-MIA, Sweater-vintage, wood ring-from City Bird.