Underground Creative Spaces Highlighted by Aaron Jones + Wes Taylor

Collaborators Aaron Jones and Wesley Taylor are bringing their piece “The Underground” to Dlectricity!

Using hot-wire milled foam, Jones and Taylor will create an architectural model that both physically and metaphorically illuminates the creative spaces in Detroit operating outside mainstream pop imagery. The foam will be carved with volumes and voids reminiscent of caverns, catacombs and cathedrals—spaces that exist below “above ground” urban depictions of the city.

Most recently, they have collaborated on work for the Complex Movements collective. Their interactive multimedia installation piece “Beware of the Dandelions” put a spotlight on community advocacy, citizenship and social change. Described by Complex Magazine as “a Detroit artist collective that you need to know,” Complex Movements includes Taylor as a member and Jones as a contributor—he designed the pod structure in which “Beware of the Dandelions” performances take place.

Both graduates of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Jones and Taylor have worked together in the past as co-directors of Talking Dolls, an experimental studio in Detroit, where Taylor still works as a co-director. Talking Dolls will be holding design workshops beginning August 12—be sure to check them out!

Jones has work on display at Volume Gallery in Chicago, IL, on view now through August 26. In the past, he collaborated with another Dlectricity artist, Carrie Morris, to create structures that keep public space clean in Hamtramck. He also works as an assistant professor at Lawrence Technological University.

Taylor remains a lead artist with the Complex Movements collective–check out another article here. He also works as an emcee and graphic designer for Detroit Hip Hop group Athletic Mic League. Check out an impressive documentary about Taylor and his work here.

We are so excited to have their work on display at the Rackham Building at Woodward and Warren. Thank you so much to Wayne State University for hosting this project!