We Are Woodbridge

Elene Usdin is a photographer who has been taking portraits and meeting new people in Detroit since 2014. In 2019, she was the inaugural artist-in-residence at Art in Woodbridge, where she took a collective portrait of the diverse and eclectic neighbourhood. Her portraits reflect her ability to connect deeply with her subjects, and she supplements her photographs with hand-drawn maps and notes on her Woodbridge experience. The book is a unified and gorgeous look at a thriving Detroit neighbourhood through the eyes of a foreign artist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: Wayne State University Press

Elene Usdin first graced the vibrant city of Detroit in 2014 for a captivating exhibition at the Museum of New Art (MONA). Since then, her artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with the city, beckoning her to return time and time again, capturing captivating portraits and forging new connections with each visit. In 2019, Usdin embarked on a remarkable residency at Art in Woodbridge, a community that boasts a rich artistic and eclectic spirit, nestled just adjacent to Wayne State University and the vibrant Midtown/Cass Corridor area. This neighbourhood is a true testament to Detroit's diversity, with residents hailing from various backgrounds, including transitional students, artists, faculty, and generations of families who have called Woodbridge home for decades.

Usdin's portraits are a testament to her remarkable ability to connect with her subjects on a profound level. Each image seems to encapsulate a resident or aspect of the Woodbridge community in a way that is entirely authentic and unique. Whether it's the warm and welcoming smiles of the residents or the intricate details of the neighbourhood's public art and living history, Usdin's photographs capture the essence of Woodbridge in a way that is both captivating and evocative.

As an accomplished photographer and illustrator, Usdin complements her photographs with hand-drawn maps and personal notes, providing a deeper insight into her experiences and observations during her time in Woodbridge. The result is a captivating book that offers a unified and stunning perspective on this thriving Detroit neighbourhood through the eyes of a foreign artist who has already found a profound sense of home.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 211 x 263 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780578644042