Coup D'état Presents “Bill Rauhauser: A Retrospective” in Partnership with The Hill Gallery | A Celebration of Detroit’s Iconic Photographer and His Legacy | Saturday, March 29th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | On View: March 29th — May 1st, 2025
Detroit, MI – Coup D'état is honored to present “Bill Rauhauser: A Retrospective,” a special exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late Bill Rauhauser, one of Detroit’s most revered photographers. The retrospective will open on Saturday, March 29th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Coup D'etat located inside the Lantern Building in Detroit, Michigan's newest cultural corridor “Little Village," recently named one of TIME Magazine's "World's Greatest Places 2025."
This exhibition is a partnership between Coup D'état and The Hill Gallery, showcasing Rauhauser’s iconic photographs that captured the soul and spirit of Detroit.
Rauhauser, who was affectionately known as “The Dean of Detroit Photography,” spent decades documenting the vibrant streets of Detroit and its people, influencing generations of photographers and shaping the city's photographic community. A recipient of the prestigious Kresge Eminent Artist Award, Rauhauser’s work reflected the raw humanity of the city as it underwent social and industrial changes, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s. Through his lens, Rauhauser immortalized the lives of everyday Detroiters, capturing the rhythm and life of the city.
In addition to his photographic legacy, Rauhauser was a tireless educator and mentor, introducing photography as a powerful art form to the local community. As a founding member of the influential photography gallery Group 4, he played an essential role in cultivating Detroit’s photographic arts scene.This exhibition offers an opportunity to explore Rauhauser’s pioneering contributions, with a selection of his available works for purchase. Visitors will have a chance to experience the energy and history of Detroit as seen through Rauhauser’s eyes.
The Hill Gallery, directed by Timothy and Pamela Hill, opened in 1980 in Birmingham, Michigan, and has long been a hub for exceptional 20th-century modern and contemporary art. The gallery is renowned for its expertise in American folk art, particularly folk sculpture, and has built a reputation for collaborating with museums, private collectors, and corporate clients to discover and acquire significant works of American art.
“Bill Rauhauser’s photographs capture stories in the making, inviting us to participate by lifting from the paper unforgettable scenes of people and places in Detroit. His insightful eye constantly looked to record the moment when the personal became universal.” Tim Hill, Hill Gallery
Exhibition Details:
Title: Bill Rauhauser: A Retrospective
Opening Date: Saturday, March 29th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Exhibition on view: March 29th — May 1st, 2025
Location: Coup D'état, 9301 Kercheval Ave. Ste. 6, Detroit, MI 48214
Please join us to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Bill Rauhauser, a true pioneer of Detroit’s photography community.
About Bill Rauhauser
Born in Detroit in 1918, Bill Rauhauser’s photographic journey began after a trip to New York in 1947, where he was inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson’s exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. Rauhauser went on to capture the faces, personalities, and changing landscape of Detroit with his 35mm Leica camera, becoming a key figure in the city’s photographic history. His portraits include notable Detroit personalities such as Dr. Ernst Scheyer, art collectors Gertrude Kasle and Kurt Michel, and bibliophile Charles E. Feinberg. Rauhauser’s work continues to be celebrated for its timeless depiction of Detroit’s evolving culture and identity.
About The Hill Gallery
Founded in 1980, The Hill Gallery specializes in 20th-century modern and contemporary art, alongside exceptional examples of American folk art. With a keen focus on the mystery and power of folk sculpture, the gallery offers unparalleled expertise in the acquisition, exhibition, and installation of significant works of art.