Detroit’s Dirty Show Is Back!
After a hiatus, Detroit’s Dirty Show is returning in February 2022. The 21st annual Dirty Show will return for two weekends, Friday and Saturday, Feb 7th, Feb 8th and Friday and Saturday, Feb 14th, Feb 15th. The Dirty show is an erotic art spectacle. Often taking the concept of an art show to the edge and creating an interactive erotic art event.
Pulling in local big-name artists like Niagara and Glenn Barr, the Dirty Show is bringing in LA artist Tristan Eaton. Eaton once called Metro Detroit home and is returning for the Dirty Show. Tristan Eaton is known for his murals and for co-founding Kidrobot. He also designed the Soul Train Music Awards for BET in 2009 and the tickets and program for Super Bowl in 2020.
Being part of the art scene, I remember when the Dirty Show started almost 2 decades ago. Reflecting so many years later, I’m surprised it lasted. Not because of the concept, but because we lose so many galleries and most just don’t last. But the almost rebellious nature of this show I think really reflects Detroit art and culture. We always seem to be fighting to show we matter when so many want to count us as irrelevant. And the Dirty Show is a fine example of that.
I like this quote by Tristan Eaton talking about Jerry Vile, the founder of the Dirty Show:
When Jerry was the publisher of legendary Detroit magazine Orbit, he gave me my first ever art job illustrating articles such as ‘How to be a Better Stalker’ and ‘The Orbit Guide to Suicide’. This led to creating art for St. Andrew’s Hall and endless posters for bands, raves, and radio stations that set my whole art career in motion. Without Jerry, I would never have met Detroit legends like Glenn Barr, Mark Dancey, and Niagara. I have a lot to thank the guy for, but these days I’m just thankful the old man is still alive.
Jerry’s circus continues with The Dirty Show, a stunning display of counterculture, sex, and art bringing people together like only he can. It’s a grand spectacle of visual debauchery and I love it so much. Thanks for having me back, old pal!
The show will once again be held at the Russell Industrial Center; 1600 Clay St., Detroit. Tickets start at $42.
All info via Metro Times.
