Rashaun Rucker’s work examines social and cultural issues in America, with a particular focus on human rights, mental illness, the black experience, and the impact of inequality, with the latest series of drawings titled Fly Away.

In the Dové Gallery, Detroit artist Rashaun Rucker considers race and economy in America with a focus on human rights, in an installation of drawings investigating issues from homelessness to terrorism. Currently, Rucker is a photo editor at the Detroit Free Press, where he has worked since 2003. Rucker's achievements include a 2008 Emmy for his documentary photography on pit bull culture. In 2008 he also became the first African-American to win Michigan Press Photographer of the year.

Fly Away compares the life of something many of us see everyday -- the rock pigeon -- to the identity and, in many ways, the stereotype of black men in America. The rock pigeon is a bird that doesn't migrate but is considered a strong flyer and is commonly found in American cities, populating the streets. National Geographic described the rock pigeons being gregarious and forming large flocks; it feeds on handouts and grains during the day. The pigeon, when taken away from its environment, usually returns home.