Death and Rebirth in the Motor City

In 2010 two oversize photography books were published on the same subject. Detroit Disassembled: Photographs by Andrew Moore and The Ruins of Detroit by two French photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre. Looked at together they provide a much more vivid and comprehensive portrait than either could on its own.

Accounts vary, but it seems that by the middle of the last century, Detroit, founded in 1701, had reached the height of its development and fell into a decline as it's successful citizens relocated elsewhere. Moore, Marchand and Meffre have captured unforgettable and humbling images of urban decay. The message of these images is sobering.

As I delved into the 300 year history of this city I was interested to find Frontier Metropolis: Picturing Early Detroit, 1701-1838. It too is an oversize book and is filled with maps, drawings, watercolours, and vintage photographs.

Could there be a greater contrast between the book covers above and this image of Detroit's modest beginnings?

Let's go on a little tour of the city known affectionately as Motown, and The Motor City, with Johnny Knoxville as our host. Guided by Detroit locals he visits and explores inside some of the most picturesque ruins. Here is a link to Part One of a three part documentary. All three parts make for fascinating viewing.

But even more fascinating in this documentary is the message of hope. Young people are moving back into the abandoned areas and reclaiming them for clubs, bars, restaurants and those harbingers of urban renewal: artist's studios.

 

Official City of Detroit motto? Speramus Meliora, Resurget Cineribus (We hope for better things, It shall rise from the ashes).