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This is the first of two articles. A book excerpt Tuesday features art scene reflections by novelist Lynn Crawford, one of four local essayists in "Detroit: The Dream Is Now."
Detroit's outside admirers include prominent New York photographer Michel Arnaud. He visited 10 times in recent years to document the city's "incredible optimistic spirit, which I share," Arnaud writes in a richly illustrated book published last week.
The $40 book was published April 11.
The 272-page release from Abrams Books, a renowned publisher of art books, is titled "Detroit: The Dream Is Now" and subtitled "The Design, Art, and Resurgence of an American City."
Its four sections are "Always Detroit" (13 landmark buildings), "The Art Scene," "The Design Scene" and "The Food Scene."
"I fell in love with Detroit about six years ago," writes Arnaud, now in his fourth decade as an internationally recognized photographer for commercial and publishing clients that include Architectural Digest, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Paris Match and The New York Times. His background explanation for this latest book continues:
I have a fascination with postindustrial cities. It took three years to make the first scouting trip [to Detroit]. In many ways, it was an eye-opening experience.
With each visit over the last three years, my first impressions of an open, creative city were further inspired by the challenges of the people who live there and their incredible optimistic spirit, which I share.
In addition to color photos, many presented in full-page format in the 8-by-11-inch book, Arnaud has interviews with artists, designers, gallery owner George N'Namdi and restaurateur Phillip Cooley. There also are three-page essays by Jennifer A. Conlin, Sarah F. Cox, Lynn Crawford and Matthew Clayson -- contributors who "provided insights and kindly shared their knowledge of people and places," Arnaud acknowledges.
The East Coast visitor aims his lenses at the Tigers' current and past ballparks, Berry Gordy's former mansion, the Dequindre Cut, Belle Isle, Olayami Dabls' African Bead Museum, Eastern Market murals, Write a House, Cass Corridor artist Robert Sestok's welded displays at the City Sculpture Park, Detroit Artfactry, Ponyride, Lafayette Greens, Sweet Potato Sensations, Kuzzo's and the usual array of New Detroit restaurants on the visitors' circuit.
Michel Arnaud: "I have a fascination with postindustrial cities." (Twitter photo)
“My most constant feeling was the openness, inventiveness and strength of character of the people I met," Arnaud tells David Foxley of Architectural Digest, which publishes 15 of his Detroit images.
"Some came to Detroit to make a new life. Others, against all odds, have lived there their whole lives. They stayed and survived during the tough times, which aren’t exactly over.
“Throughout Detroit, I found there were conscious choices made to preserve and respect the history of what was there. To acknowledge that the buildings had a previous life and to keep a sense of authenticity.”
The book's introduction is by Clayson, the first executive director of the Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3) from 2010-15. "Detroit in 2017 is a city of creativity, design and innovation," he writes, adding:
It is also a city of chronic conflict, challenge and change. Fully empowered and appreciated, Detroit's creative community is addressing these issues candidly and controversially. It articulates Detroit's soul, shares the relevance of that soul with the world at large and reinforces Detroit's status as one of the world's greatest creative capitals.
