Detroit-based artist Tiff Massey's artwork "Baby Bling" (2023) has been acquired as a permanent collection piece by the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), following the success of her temporary exhibition "7 Mile + Livernois." The sculpture, made from steel beads, woven rope, and brass, reimagines childhood hair accessories known as "bobos" worn by Black women and girls, celebrating Black hair culture and identity. Massey, the youngest artist to have a solo exhibition at the DIA, saw her "7 Mile + Livernois" show attract over 220,000 visitors from May 2024 through May 2025. "Baby Bling" will be installed in the museum's newly reimagined Modern and Contemporary wing when it reopens in 2026.
This acquisition matters because it marks a significant institutional commitment to elevating contemporary Detroit voices and expanding the narrative of American art. By permanently housing Massey's work, the DIA ensures that future generations can engage with a powerful meditation on Black beauty, resilience, and cultural celebration. The move also underscores the growing recognition of artists from underrepresented communities in major museums, and highlights how contemporary art can transform everyday objects into profound statements about identity and community.