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Artist Profile: Hubert Massey
December 06, 2024
“Public art begins with the community it will serve. In fact, after nearly 20 years of creating large-scale public works of art for various cities, communities and neighborhoods throughout the Midwest, it is my belief that public art should be, first and foremost, meaningful to those who surround it.” – Dr. Hubert Massey
After graduating from Grand Valley State University in 1983, Michigan artist Hubert Massey studied at the University of London, Slade Institute of Fine Art. Soon after, he became a pictorial painter for Gannett Outdoor Sign Company and began cultivating his painting skills. During this time, Massey discovered the importance of the connection between fine art and architecture. Striving to incorporate art as a part of the architectural process, Massey later studied art restoration and conservation.
In 1995, Massey studied under Stephen Dimitroff and Luvien Bloch, apprentices to Diego Rivera, in which he learned the nearly lost and challenging art of fresco painting. Combining his knowledge and experiences, Massey created his mural, The Death of Laocoön and his two sons Antiphas and Thymbraeus Detroit's Athenaeum Hotel. Painting themes of community, culture, and education, Massey continues to be an active member of the Detroit community today.
Massey has won many awards for his work, including being recognized as a Visual Arts Fellow by the Kresge Foundation in 2011. Massey also earned an honorary doctorate degree from Grand Valley State University in 2012.
Explore more artwork by Hubert Massey.
Hubert Massey, Magnolia’s Song, oil on linen, 2003, 2014.91.1.
Hubert Massey, Exporting Knowledge, fresco, 2000, 2000.004.1.
Hubert Massey, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, ca 1985, 2001.038.1.