Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville district has long been home to the vibrant culture of the city’s African American community. This week, celebrated new media artist and Los Angeles native Martine Syms added to it by debuting four new art installations along West North Avenue in the heart of the neighborhood.
The project represents the launch of a programming partnership between Sculpture Milwaukee and the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, aimed at revitalizing the area. The district’s borders are West Garfield Avenue on the south, West Center Street on the north, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to the east and North Seventh Street to the west.
Phoenix Brown, Bronzeville Center for the Arts curator, described the installations as “very subtle,” explaining that they’re “more like disruptions.”
One of the installations features a window pattern on the large front window of Gallery 507, the center’s public art gallery and administrative office, at 507 W. North Ave.
A pair of Syms’ works also have been installed at the neighboring building that once housed Big Load Coin Laundry, which now lies vacant. A two-sided street sign, which used to feature the business’ name, has been replaced with a photographic image by Syms, while a banner placed on the building features a short poem by Syms.
Another installation features a banner along the site of the future African American art museum at North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West North Avenue with the message: “Find a way.” The museum is expected to be a cornerstone of the revitalization efforts in the historic Bronzeville district
The partnership with Sculpture Milwaukee is a step towards the same goal.
“This is a chance to connect with our community and show the value of what public art can do to our neighborhood, as well as show the rest of the country and the world at large that Milwaukee is a place where cultural production occurs.”
In short, “We’re letting everyone know that we’re cool.”
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
The collaboration combines Sculpture Milwaukee’s internationally recognized outdoor exhibition program with Bronzeville Center for the Arts’ mission of celebrating African American art as well as Bronzeville’s legacy.
“Since Sculpture Milwaukee was founded, the organization has benefitted from the support and counsel of other local arts organizations and acquired significant practical expertise in mounting public art in downtown Milwaukee. We are thrilled to put it to use in Bronzeville through our collaboration with BCA,” Sculpture Milwaukee Executive Director John Riepenhoff said in a statement.
Syms’ art revolves around themes of identity, often with a focus on subjects like feminism and Black culture, and the artworks were selected through a collaborative process.
“Martine Syms’ work is really powerful, especially for this series of work” says Brown. “These works encourage people to be present with themselves andrealize how artwork can motivate us as we chose our own way forward.”
Since its founding in 2020, Bronzeville Center for the Arts has accelerated ongoing efforts to revitalize Bronzeville.
“There are so many vibrant small businesses here in Bronzeville,” Brown said. “You can grab a cup of coffee here, [or] you can go to a bookstore and look at art. It’s truly going through a renaissance and we’re only a few blocks up the street from Deer District. There’s a lot to do.”
