Strand — Planetary Self

In the African bead, we find a symbol of unity in diversity: each bead stands alone as an extraordinary work of art, and together, the beads form an even greater whole. In creating Strand, Everard Findlay collaborated with Olayami Dabls, creator of MBAD African Bead Museum.

For this exercise, participants each choose a single bead from Dabls’ collection to add to a long strand, representing unity among diverse people.

This action, when repeated in many iterations at different venues, finds the perfect inaugural ground at Wasserman Projects in Detroit, a city in which the collective future depends upon a dedication to unity across race, class, culture and creed, and a connection to community larger than ourselves.

Together, we will form a new tradition rooted in history, showing a path forward to greater connection and empathy, to an awareness of our shared humanity.

Participants

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Wasserman Projects

Wasserman projects is a flexible and constantly evolving program of art, design, and music, that brings together artists of all disciplines. Our mission is to promote the work of outstanding practitioners based locally and around the globe by hosting exhibitions, conversations, and supporting creativity wherever we can be useful. Through collaborations and programming that generates interest, curiosity, and commerce, our goal is to become one of the many threads in the vibrant fabric that is Detroit.

Everard Findlay

Everard Findlay blends branding and social innovation to empower CEOs, heads of state, and thought leaders to invest in a future that benefits citizens, the environment, and society as a whole while building profitability and growth.

Findlay has served on the board of GrowNYC, the Council for the Environment of New York City since 2009 and is currently Communications Chair. He is a founding trustee of The Museum of the Courageous, NeueHouse, tenured board member of Soho House, UNDP Turning Tables, Dartmouth College’s Institute for Cross-engagement, The New York Times’ Friends of TimesTalks Committee and The National Center for Children in Poverty.

Olayami Dabls

16 years ago Olayami Dabls came to the corner of Grand River and West Grand Blvd with a vision to create a space for his community to understand the immense power of their African heritage.

Occupying almost an entire city block, the MBAD African Bead Museum houses 18 outdoor installations as well as the African Bead Gallery, N’kisi House, and African Language Wall. Born of his own visual cosmology, Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum sparks a vital conversation with global and local audiences.

Learn More

Visit everardfindlay.com