Philpot
Presented by Tiff Massey work in progress
David Philpot moved to Detroit about six years ago, in his 70s, when he fell in love with Detroiter and Kresge Artist Fellow Marsha Music. He was quickly embraced by other artists in the community for his incredible talent, warm personality, and humble demeanor. In 2017 David was awarded a Kresge Artist Fellowship in visual arts. Admired as an elder, he passed away in 2018. Philpot is a mural designed to celebrate his life and legacy, a large-scale, two-dimensional portrait surrounded by examples of David’s artwork, and part of ongoing and urgent efforts to highlight important Black artists in Detroit.
About the Artist
Tiff Massey is an interdisciplinary artist from Detroit, Michigan. She holds an MFA in metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her work, inspired by African standards of economic vitality, includes both large-scale and wearable sculptures, music, and performance. Massey counts the iconic material culture of 1980s hip-hop as a major influence in her jewelry. Her work draws on contemporary conceptions of class and race through the lens of the African Diaspora combined with her experiences in Detroit.
Massey is a two-time Knight Foundation Knight Arts Challenge winner and a Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Award recipient. Massey has participated in several international residencies including the New Museum’s IdeasCity (in Detroit; Athens, Greece; and Arles, France) and at the Volterra-Detroit Foundation in Volterra, Italy. Massey’s work has been widely exhibited in both national and international museums and galleries.