IRWIN HOUSE GLOBAL ART CENTER & GALLERY – 2351 W GRAND BLVD – DETROIT 48208
FRIENDLY FIRE imaginatively explores 30 years in Detroit law enforcement by multidiscipliary artist & former Homicide Detective, Khary Mason
JOIN US for the opening of FRIENDLY FIRE: A photo essay by multidisciplinary artist, activist, and former Detroit Police Homicide Detective, Khary Mason.
OPENING RECEPTION:
Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 3-6 PM
“Friendly Fire” is a term used when a person or group accidentally harms their own side in a military or police operation.”
In this photographic series, the viewer witnesses the path of the artist, Khary Mason, immersed in a world of service, beginning with the naive, unfiltered perspective of a child.
This child heard Andy Griffith’s whistle for the first time, and took in the heroic sights and scenes from all the popular police television series of his era. He pledged allegiance to the flag, repeated The Scout’s Promise, and grew up aspiring to make a difference in his community.
Eventually, he entered the police academy, with all the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed enthusiasm of a hero-in-the-making.
Throughout more than 28 years of service in the city of Detroit, Mason discovered and endured many hard truths – not only about the communities he served but, more importantly, about the inner-workings of a system at odds with his intentions and everything he was trained to believe.
Through photography and scenic reimaginations, Mason shares some of his experiences and examines the history, state, and future of law enforcement in these United States of America.
Join us also for the ARTIST TALK:
Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 2-5 PM
and an OPEN HOUSE & ARTIST TOUR w/Mason:
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 2-5 PM
- The exhibition runs through March 15, 2026
- All events are FREE to attend and open to the public.
- General hours: Thurs-Sat 12-7 PM | Sundays 12-5 PM
FRIENDLY FIRE imaginatively explores 30 years in Detroit law enforcement by multidiscipliary artist & former Homicide Detective,
“Friendly Fire” is a term used when a person or group accidentally harms their own side in a military or police operation.”
In this photographic series, the viewer witnesses the path of the artist, Khary Mason, immersed in a world of service, beginning with the naive, unfiltered perspective of a child.
This child heard Andy Griffith’s whistle for the first time, and took in the heroic sights and scenes from all the popular police television series of his era. He pledged allegiance to the flag, repeated The Scout’s Promise, and grew up aspiring to make a difference in his community.
Eventually, he entered the police academy, with all the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed enthusiasm of a hero-in-the-making. Throughout more than 28 years of service in the city of Detroit, Mason discovered and endured many hard truths – not only about the communities he served but, more importantly, about the inner-workings of a system at odds with his intentions and everything he was trained to believe.
Through photography and scenic reimaginations, Mason shares some of his experiences and examines the history, state, and future of law enforcement in these United States of America..
Join us also for the ARTIST TALK: Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 2-5 PM
The exhibition runs through March 15, 2026 All events are FREE to attend and open to the public. General hours: Thurs-Sat 12-7 PM | Sundays 12-5 PM Follow us on IG + FB for more: @irwinhousegallery