THE BACK PORCH By Simone Bryant

16813 was the residence of my grandparents, a place surrounded by a supportive community. It served as a safe haven where they tended land, fixed cars, shared meals with neighbors, and enjoyed card games at parties. The graffiti-covered staircase introduced me to art, merging words, drawings, and life itself. Reflecting on my grandfather's passing, I recognized the profound influence their home had on my life. This exhibition celebrates their warmth, culture, and wisdom through a collection of new-scale oil paintings, offering a final tribute to my family's legacy.

Simone Bryant, a Detroit-born artist, specializes in oil painting. Her art beautifully captures Black culture through vibrant colors and storytelling using memorabilia. From a young age, Simone's passion for art was ignited by cartoons and graffiti. She pursued her artistic education at Michigan State, focusing on Painting and Photography. Simone's work evolved to incorporate old family photographs, infusing her paintings with nostalgic tones and placing herself within these moments. Her artwork often explores her family and intimate relationships. Recognizing the lack of representation of Black culture in paintings during her adolescence, Simone aims to amplify the voices and personal stories of Black people through her work. Her art has been showcased in various galleries and exhibitions, including Griffin's Garden, Chroma Detroit, Gallery 46, Womxnhouse Detroit, Design Studio 6, and Norwest Gallery of Art.