As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the powerful moments that shaped our story — from international exhibitions to local murals that speak to community and spirit. The MBAD African Bead Museum continues to grow, to rebuild, and to imagine the future with intention. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what’s to come in the new year.
Detroit to Paris: A Global Moment for Detroit’s Storytellers
Olayami Dabls’ King Beads on display at Hôtel de Talleyrand during Art Basel Paris October 21st-23rd.
This fall, I had the honor of traveling to Paris on behalf of my father, Olayami Dabls, to represent his work during Art Basel week with Detroit Salon—a collective of Detroit artists and curators bringing the city’s creative voice to the world stage.
Though he couldn’t make the trip himself, I carried his stories and spirit with me. Standing in those historic spaces, surrounded by artists who admire his work, I was reminded just how far his vision reaches—and how deeply it continues to inspire.
Detroit Salon’s guest program at Palais de Tokyo, titled “A Blueprint of Resonance,” showcased the strength and vision of Detroit’s artistic community on a global stage.
Detroit artists featured in the Detroit Salon exhibition at Palais de Tokyo during Art Basel Paris. Photo by Bre’ann White.
The Exhibition
King Beads in Paris
Dabls’ monumental installation King Beads was featured at the historic Hôtel de Talleyrand, where Detroit Salon and Juana Williams curated a stunning presentation of Detroit artists during Art Basel Paris. Under the gallery lights, the mirrored surfaces and vibrant color of King Beads reflected strength, ancestry, and spirit—proof that his language of material and meaning resonates far beyond Detroit.
Exhibition wall for “Stitched Into History: The Legacy of Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion” at Hôtel de Talleyrand — an unforgettable moment seeing my father’s name among Detroit’s finest artists and designers.
Olayami Dabls’ King Beads installation, a mirrored composition of African trade beads reflecting power, ancestry, and transformation, on view inside the historic Hôtel de Talleyrand during Art Basel Paris.
Olayami Dabls’ installation King Beads on view at Hôtel de Talleyrand alongside works by fellow Detroit artists during Art Basel Paris. Photo by Lou Anna Ralite
The Experience
A Celebration of Detroit Culture Abroad
Throughout the week, Detroit Salon hosted talks and gatherings that highlighted Detroit’s creative energy—from conversations on music and fashion to the intimate We Are Ona dinner and Detroit Music Night at Palais de Tokyo.
Representing my father in these spaces was an unforgettable experience. Each exchange carried pride, gratitude, and recognition of how Detroit’s artistry shapes global conversations about creativity and community.
A seat at the table — representing my father, Olayami Dabls, and Detroit’s enduring creative legacy at the “We Are Ona” dinner in Paris.
A table set for connection. The “We Are Ona” dinner brought Detroit’s creative family together in the heart of Paris.
A beautiful evening shared with artist and curator Ashara Ekundayo during the Detroit Salon dinner at Hôtel de Talleyrand.
Reflection
Carrying Legacy Across Continents
This trip wasn’t just about art—it was about legacy and love. Seeing my father’s work honored among international peers reminded me that his practice has always been about more than materials; it’s about transformation, storytelling, and the power of seeing ourselves in our surroundings.
Beside my father’s mirrored masterpiece King Beads, where reflection becomes legacy and legacy becomes light.
From Detroit to Paris and back again, Dabls’ stories continue to move people—bridging continents, cultures, and generations. This moment in Paris was a reminder that his work belongs everywhere the human spirit seeks meaning.