In Art News: Preeminent Fashion Photographer Bruce Weber is showing
his work at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Article and photos: Sandy Hopkins
Bruce Weber
Photo:
Sandy Hopkins
The Bruce Weber
exhibit was brought here in hopes of raising money and awareness to help save
our museum. We have some of the most recognizable pieces of art in the World
and cannot afford out of pocket or heart to lose them. This show is a call to
action that can not be missed. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to cover
it on any level that I could for MOTORCITYBLOG.
The Opening Exhibit had
decadent and cram packed agenda included a morning Press Conference, A 100
woman of the Arts Luncheon, and a VIP evening cocktail event with a live
performance from our very own woman of rock Patti Smith.
The works of Bruce Weber
Why is Bruce Weber in
Detroit?
In 2006 the award-winning
photographer was here on a shoot with super model Kate Moss for W magazine. He
fell in so love with the humble city, spending his free time meeting and
photographing many heart strong locals. He loved it so much he even came back a
second time to reconnect with his new friends. After hearing about the bankruptcy issues pummeling our city and the possible effects of it on our
museum, he had a sit down with Anna Wintour, the Editor and Chief, of Vogue
magazine and the inspiration for the Merly Streep character in The Devil Wears
Prada. He told her he wanted to help. She had a meeting with the executives at
the world famous Conde’ Nast, the most famous publication company in the
world. Founded in New York City in 1909
they are responsible for publishing Vogue, Glamour, Vanity Fair, The New
Yorker, Bon Appétit, Style, Self, and Golf Digest just to name a few. Together
they dove in feet first to help in any way they could. They decided to have a
fundraiser inviting their friends and partners from around the world. They
would unveil his Detroit Project in Detroit. Bruce asked one of his favorite
Detroit subjects and friends Patti Smith to play the event and she wholeheartedly agreed. Bruce Weber was quoted as saying
it made him happy to be able to invite his Detroit subjects to come see
themselves on the walls of the DIA.
What
a great guy that Bruce Weber.
I was lucky enough to get a photo documentation
of the opening reception for MOTORCITYBLOG!
Anna Wintour, the works of Bruce Weber, The Mosaic Choir, Media
The scene was mesmerizing at the DIA, the
words hustle and a bustle, both understatements in description. An energy of hope and triumph was in the air
filling the museum’s walls with an intensity I had never quite witnessed. Photographers
from all over the globe were rushing to get shots of visiting celebrities. I felt
a bit overwhelmed as I was jostled around, trying to get some shots in myself. It was hard to comprehend that I was
completely surrounded by people who worked for the biggest magazines in the
world. A dream and a nightmare all wrapped in one. I was proud to be there and
wanted to do the best I could to represent our city, I could see the same look
on everyone’s faces. We were all so very excited. I was so excited in fact,
that after a few shots, I realized I still hadn’t picked up my Press Pass. The
museum was set up like a maze and I got rerouted for a moment, while trying to
work my way back to the press area I suddenly stumbled into Bruce Weber who was
getting a private shoot for a news story. I gasped, smiled, then took a few steps
back before scurrying away between catering carts. The experience was
incredible and overwhelming. Exhilarated I knew I had to come back for more.
Bruce Weber, Anna Wintour,
Patti Smith, and...
Photos: Sandy Hopkins
Later that evening I
stood in front of the entrance anxiously awaiting the arrivals. At this point the
press had thinned considerably, and there was one photographer from CBS Detroit
covering the story with me. We were both excited to capture the images of the
famed Patti Smith and Anna Wintour. This
Gala welcoming was a force. The red carpet was replaced by the awe inspiring
Detroit Mosaic Choir. Party goes were being
welcomed to the museum doors by twenty-five of Detroit’s best young vocalists.
They lined both sides of the entrance singing Motown melodies in harmonious
deliciousness. One by one the guests arrived wide-eyed with curiosity and
unabashed amazement.
Watching the scene unfold
was like watching a cartoon where there is a pie on the windowsill smelling
really good, the smell vapors turn into fingers, grabs the tempted by the
nostrils, and pulls them in. I perched at the top of the stairs taking it all
in myself. After a while I finally realized the grand scale of this event. Local and International celebrities from around
the globe were here in our city to support our museum, and they were having the
times of their lives
My favorite part was the celebrity of it all, never
In a million years would I have thought that I would have laid my eyes on the
dazzling Anna Wintour, her strength emanating, in an untouchable shield of
chic. Her entourage consisted of Bruce Weber, Grace Coddington, a plethora of super
models, diplomats, filmmakers and Patti Smith.
Grace Coddington, Creative
Director at Vogue.
Party Goers
Photos: Sandy Hopkins
We own a juicy bit of global historic genius. It is apparent that our City and Museum are finally being appreciated for their unique character and strength. May they always stand in peace for all to enjoy.
The Bruce Weber exhibit extends through September. If you have not yet been to our museum, or haven’t been in a while. I suggest you go see what all the fuss is about. It is a decision you will be happy that you made. Go get your art on!
Article and photos by
MCB's Sandy C. Hopkins