Description
Surrounded by the majestic Great Lakes of Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie, Michigan is aptly nicknamed the Great Lakes State. This unique geography is not only a defining feature but also a symbol of the state’s vast potential and rich history. However, Michigan also serves as a microcosm of the deep divisions within the United States, both past and present.
In this artwork, I reflect on Michigan’s industrial heyday as the global center of car manufacturing by including elements inspired by Diego Rivera’s iconic Detroit murals. These murals celebrate the labor, innovation, and industrial prowess that defined Michigan’s economy during its glory years. This era also played a pivotal role in the Great Migration, as black families moved from the South to the upper Midwest, seeking better opportunities and helping to lay the foundation for the rise of trade unions and workers’ rights movements.
Yet, this industrial legacy also left behind significant challenges. The environmental consequences of unchecked industrialization are exemplified by the Flint water crisis, a tragic case of environmental racism that disproportionately affected marginalized communities. At the same time, the decline of Michigan as an industrial powerhouse has led to economic disenfranchisement, particularly among working-class white communities. This sense of loss and frustration has been exploited by far-right organizations, fueling protests on issues ranging from gun rights to opposition to pandemic mask mandates. These divisions underscore the political and social tensions that continue to strain the fabric of the nation.
Amid these challenges, I chose to include the Mackinac Bridge, the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. This engineering marvel, connecting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the rest of the state, stands as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. It embodies hope that, one day, we might bridge our nation’s racial, cultural, and political divides, fostering understanding and cooperation in pursuit of a more equitable and harmonious future.
