Detroit 1978-1983

My work as a photographer began as a post-baccalaureate student in comparative anthropology at Wayne State University. Photography opened up a new world for me, and I soon began documenting the vibrant and diverse community of artists, performers, and activists surrounding the Wayne State campus where I lived.

As my practice developed, I went into the studio which is where the series, "Installations to be photographed, then destroyed, 1980-83"  took place. Using whatever existing material could be found, (tape, banners, dolls, cables, antennas, monitors), and myself. After each photograph was taken, the set was destroyed.

Process and final results are important for a scientist, and that is why all of this work has been film processed and printed by me. These selections from 1978-1983 give you a brief view of life, in and out of the studio, in Detroit, 1978-1983.

– Eleftheria Lialios, 2018