Detroit Artist Sydney James Commissioned For Chroma Development Mural
From the MICHIGAN CHRONICLE, published August 26, 2020.
Read the full piece here.
The Platform, a Detroit-based real estate developer, has announced that work began today on a new mural on its nearly completed Chroma development in Milwaukee Junction, located in the heart of the Greater New Center area.
“The Girl with the D Earring” by Detroit artist Sydney G. James will adorn the western wall of the Chroma building, located at 2937 E. Grand Blvd. The art is a modern Detroit take on Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” deemed the most beautiful painting in the Netherlands.
The mural portrays a Detroit woman wearing a quilted garment featuring signage and logos of historic North End/Paradise Valley businesses. The glowing Old English “D” dangling from her ear is a symbol of all the city and its people. James’ latest masterpiece – following highly acclaimed murals in Eastern Market and other locations across Detroit – is slated to be completed by mid-September.
“The spirit, aura and soul of Detroit is multifaceted,” James said. “From the wide range of music, visual arts, fashion, automotive innovation to everything in between, Detroit has been a city of culture creation. Culture and innovation creates figurative and literal ‘chroma’ – the purity and intensity of color. Though this piece is North End specific, it captures the personality of Detroit, the city.”