"Detroit Industry" South Wall

Pablo presenting the mural to a group of travel and tourism writers from across the U.S.A.

A detailed discussion with a TV host.

A lively talk with college students.

Images

A university professor has more questions.

Newlyweds, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, 1932, Detroit Institute of Arts.

"Detroit Industry" North Wall

Information

August, 2006                                                                                                                         A message to you from Pablo Davis

                         

 

Dear friend,

     I am writing to ask you to support a project that is of immense importance to me, our city, and all those who value great achievement in art.  This exciting project is a documentary on Diego Rivera’s epic “Detroit Industry” mural, which ennobles our beautiful Detroit Institute of Arts.  As you may know, I assisted Diego Rivera in painting the mural in 1932 and, as such, was privileged to share his personal thoughts and artistic techniques as he created this historic work of art.  Three years ago I was asked by GM executives Gary Cowger and Bob Lutz  to document my presentation on the creation, symbolism, and significance of the mural.  Unfortunately, work was halted midway through the project due to budgetary constraints brought about by a downturn in the auto industry.

     Recently, interest has greatly escalated in editing and completing the video.  I was approached by Professor Eric Bockstael of Wayne State University’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, to head up a team to finish the documentary, but unfortunately, Eric suddenly and tragically died of cancer.  In his memory, a special non-profit account has been set up at Wayne State University's Department of Interdisciplinary Studies to receive tax-deductible contributions to enable this documentary to be completed.  In addition, we have had the tremendous good fortune to be joined by Juan Coronel Rivera (Diego’s grandson), artist and entrepreneur Dominic Pangborn, Michigan State Representative, Steve Tobocman, the award-winning documentary team of Emery King and Tom LoCicero, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, and the Grosse Pointe Artists' Association in the campaign to complete this significant and artworthy documentary.  With their help, I will be able to communicate my understanding of the mural - the way Rivera would have wanted his work to be understood and appreciated.

 

• It is vitally important to preserve the history of the creation of the “Detroit Industry” murals.

I feel a great responsibility to record for present and future generations, the moment in history in which this mural came to life.  It is impossible to grasp the significance of this brilliant artwork without understanding the technological, cultural, socio-economic and political events that figured into Rivera’s rich and complex imagery.  I was there – and I have been explaining this fascinating history to groups for 25 years.   Hundreds of people, including some of Detroit’s most important corporate leaders, have implored me to document my account of this monumental experience.  If I die before this documentary is complete, I fear my insights, artistic analysis, and oral history will die with me.

 

• The “Detroit Industry”  murals are one of Detroit’s crown jewels.

The murals represent Detroit’s rise to prominence as the foremost industrial city in the world and will continue to represent Detroit in its resurgence.

 

• The “ Detroit Industry” mural is considered by the United Nations, in an unprecedented proclamation,  to be one of the two highest achievements in the world history of art.  The genius of its Mexican creator, Diego Rivera, needs to be exquisitely documented and honored.

Mexican art, especially during the period of the Mexican Revolution, has been depreciated in recent art history, and I feel an urgent need to provide my intimate testimony to the artistic mastery, superb intelligence, profound humanity and Mexican heritage of Diego Rivera, whom I consider without reservation, the 20^th century Michelangelo. 

 

     The total cost of completing this project is approximately $50,000.  A special non-profit financial account has been set up at Wayne State University’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies to receive tax-deductible contributions to enable this documentary to be completed.   An envelope is enclosed with information on how to make out a check to this special account. Everyone who makes a contribution by November 1 will receive a token of my appreciation (see the attached table for more details).  When the documentary is finished, there are plans to premiere the film at a special event  and to present it on Detroit Public Television with credit given to all those who made the project possible.

     You know me, my character, and my experience with art, Detroit, and history.  Together, we can create something of great meaning and value.                                                  

                                                                                        

Con vida y amor,

Pablo Davis

Time is important

We would like to complete our fundraising by:

November 1, 2006

 

 

GIFTS TO CONTRIBUTORS

$1	Inclusion on the list of contributors to be printed on the program for the documentary’s premiere
$25	Above- plus inclusion on the list of contributors to be printed on the documentary’s DVD jacket information
$50	All of above- plus a copy of the finished DVD
$75	All of above- plus two tickets to the premiere of the documentary
$100	All of above- plus a signed art print by Pablo Davis
$250	All of above- plus two tickets to a VIP reception,  immediately prior to the documentary premiere
$1,000	All of above- plus special listing on DVD jacket as a “Bronze Sponsor” of the documentary
$2,000	All of above- plus special listing on DVD jacket as a “Silver Sponsor” of the documentary
$5,000	All of above- plus special listing on DVD jacket as a “Gold Sponsor” of the documentary
Any gift over $5,000 would merit specific recognition regarding the amount of the gift on the documentary DVD jacket, and special “spotlight” recognition at the VIP reception and premiere event