[Homage to the indigenous peoples of Detroit]

DMM-2020-00039

[Homage to the indigenous peoples of Detroit]

Victor Quiñonez [MARKA27]

Created: 2016
Photographed: 2024-09-18

Mural painting and decoration, American--Michigan--Detroit--21st century.
Indigenous peoples.
Indians in art.

Two brown-skinned individuals are shown in bust-length depictions painted against geometric forms that are set against a black background. At the top of the mural a feminine figure wears a white hooded cape decorated with a deep red medallion with a central circular element on each shoulder. The medallions are attached with a thin beaded chain. The form of the medallions is repeated on the figure's forehead. The face, with its eyes closed, has additional decoration consisting of lines and dots that are primarily painted in white. The forehead is framed with blue-black braids partially visible under the hooded head covering. A necklace of white, turquoise and red beads is seen beneath the chin. The cape has four tiers of fabric and beneath each tier a beige feather-like form emerges in a regularly spaced pattern. The top figure is shown against a semicircular shape upon which zigzag and wave-like linear patterns have been painted in black. Emerging from the top of the hooded-head are three black and white feathers, and one single feather of the same color and pattern are seen just above ear height. Behind the semicircular shape two rows of feathers are depicted. The first row is painted a dusty pink and the second row is painted light blue. The top and bottom figures are set against an upside down triangle of variously colored stripes. The top edge of the triangle consists of a stepped shape with the exterior edge being highest and the central area being the lowest in height. A second brown-skinned masculine figure is placed within a circle that obscures the base angle of the upside down triangle. Multiple rows of elongated feather or blade like forms surround the bottom figure's head. Two colors are used to depict these with multiple forms painted deep pink alternating with sections painted in turquoise. Four feathers painted with a checkerboard-like pattern of light blue and black are placed behind the figure's head. Two are shown flanking the neck and two are shown flanking the central pink form at the top of the head. The circle is decorated with black geometric forms. Flanking the lower figure's upper arms are white calla lilies. An elaborate necklace of white, turquoise, red and black beads hang around the neck and over the upper chest of the lower individual. A black arrow pointing downwards with the number 27 embedded in it decorate the necklace. Just beneath the ears, at the neck and on the forehead circular forms are seen that repeat the medallions depicted on the upper figure. This shape is repeated on the architectural form beneath the lower individual. White arm bands which appear to be made of fabric decorate the upper arms of this figure. A similar red arm band is depicted on the figure's left arm just above the white one. Additional decoration on the bare skin of the upper arms, torso and face consists of black, white, red and brown geometric lines and dots arranged in bands and patterns. The head of the lower figure is crowned with an orange-gold band. Three long black braids with pink and blue highlights fall across the chest. Across the mural several colored and patterned feathers appear to float away from their original placement. Signed in the lower right in red paint "MARKA27.com 2016".

Still Image

Address: 1417 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI, 48207 (NE facade, facing parking lot)
Coordinates: 42.34427256398222, -83.0385649179405

MARKA27. (n.d.). Murals in the market. https://www.muralsinthemarket.com/marka27

paint on yellow brick masonry

Created: 2016
Photographed: 2024-09-18