A More Vibrant Outlook with Judy Bowman

Filmed by Juan Luis Matos and edited by Monica Sorelle of Preguntas Studio

Commissioner Detroit’s Judy Bowman is a collage and mixed media artist. Her art practice centers on exalting America’s Black culture through vibrant hues, textured paper, and acrylic paint. Known as a visual griot, she sees her job to tell stories that are reflective of her coming-of-age in Detroit’s Eastside and Black Bottom neighborhoods. Scenes in her vibrant collages depict love, community, and a type of fellowship that resides in jazzy nights, the sway of young Black women and the swag of young Black men, church on Sundays followed by family dinner, family outings, and cultural dignity and richness.

In a unique offering for Commissioner, Judy has created a series of original paintings available individually, or alongside commissioned works by Amna Asghar and Darryl DeAngelo Terrell. Twenty percent of proceeds of sale benefit We The People of Detroit, an organization that educates and empowers Detroit residents on issues related to civil rights, land, water, education and democracy. Learn more.