Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visits Detroit Institute of Arts to view Tiff Massey exhibition

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21-03-2025

A Detroit artist received official state recognition Thursday when Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to tour Tiff Massey's '7 Mile + Livernois' exhibition.
'I've heard so many wonderful things about Tiff's work,' Whitmer said, 'and I just wanted to come and see it for myself. And I feel really lucky that I got to actually spend time with the artist. That's a unique thing, no? To have one of Detroit's own showing at the DIA. And I know it's really inspired a lot of people in the city, but certainly to have the opportunity to actually talk to the artist and understand and ask questions. It's really unique, and I feel really lucky to be here.'
Massey called the experience 'an honor.'
'That you came and took the time out of governing all the people of Michigan, and no telling what else you're doing, to come and see what I've been working on. I'm honored. I'm honored for you to be here to see it.'
Whitmer spoke glowingly of her affection for the DIA.
'You know, as someone who loves and appreciates the arts but doesn't have an artistic bone in her body,' she said, 'I love coming to DIA. It's a special place, and to get to spend time with this incredible artist — it's humbling. I have a great deal of respect for the work that she does. She's incredibly talented, recognized around the world, and we're really lucky that she's right here with us.'
The pair spent about half an hour wandering the exhibit together and whispering together like old friends about the works on the walls and floors.
'We were mostly just talking about the ins and outs of the work,' said Massey. 'Things that are printed on the wall, (but also) things that a lot of people can't read about. There's a lot of press and things surrounding the exhibition, so I just wanted to talk about some of the other details, and just my personal experience of being aske to represent Detroit, and a lot of other representations: Black women, queer women, boss women, Detroit, 7 Mile. It's just a great opportunity.'
DIA director Salvador Salort-Pons, traveling internationally on museum business, was unable to attend the event, but sent DIA board vice chair Marsha Battle Philpot as a proxy to represent the museum.
'We are beyond honored that the governor has come here in order to look at the relationship of this work,' said Philpot, 'not only to Detroit, but to the entire state of Michigan, and how inspiring this is to others in the arts throughout the state, and for those who wish to enjoy the arts, even if they are not artists.'
In an official statement, Salort-Pons wrote, 'We thank Tiff for entrusting the DIA with this exhibition, and for the extraordinary dedication and creativity she brought to her work on this transformational show.'
Katie Pfohl, DIA Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, commemorated the occasion with words of admiration for the governor's interest.
'It was such an honor to host the governor at the DIA,' Pfohl said, 'and to see such an incredible force in local and national politics so visibly support the arts at a time when they're under threat. Her embrace of the show and Tiff's message was an extraordinary affirmation of the arts' importance to this city.'
The city of Detroit, and the art world writ large, are eagerly awaiting to learn what's next for Massey after such an explosive and prominent exhibition.
'The sky is the limit,' she said. 'There's no cap on that. I'm working on some permanent … situations outside that people can experience for a lifetime. I'm really into, as you can see, space and interactive works and things like that. I do have a philanthropic arm. It is really, high-key, about the community and the future of artists in Detroit and Michigan – where can we get access to actually seeing works like these on a regular basis, or access to studios that can actually jumpstart careers in multiple areas?
'I just don't understand why people say we don't have room for the arts when everything that we're looking at is designed by someone. We just need to tap more into that. So I'm definitely going to use my time on this earth to try to, you know, make it pop.'
Gov. Whitmer expressed fondness for the piece Massey was commissioned by the museum to create as a response to late artist Donald Judd's 'Stack.'
Last year, Massey told the Free Press that 'Stack' was 'a piece that I remember when I was a kid, it was installed on the contemporary walls. I wanted to climb it. So I was like, 'Let's go, I'm going to make my own 'Stack.''
Of Massey's response piece, Whitmer said the story touched her heart.
'It reminds me of growing up,' she said. 'It reminds me of my best friend, Ursula. It's powerful to see it next to a piece that actually inspired Tiff as a young person when her mom brought her here.'
Whitmer said the exhibition is just one representation of Michigan's strong arts workforce.
'We want to deliver a Michigan that appeals to all people,' she said, 'and where every person can find a path to be successful in this state. The arts (are) an important part of that. It is about quality of life. It is about a well-rounded education. It is about a statement of who we are, and it's about learning and education. I'm hopeful that we can continue to expand on what we have been able to do in Michigan. It is not just an extracurricular — it's a fundamental part of robust education and a robust life.'
Tiff Massey's '7 Mile + Livernois' is on display through May 11, 2025. For more information, visit dia.org.
Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gov. Whitmer visits DIA to see Tiff Massey's '7 Mile + Livernois' show