Afrofuturism Exhibit Explores the Intersection of Black Culture and Technology
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has opened a new exhibit titled “Seeing Science: Afrofuturism and the Intersection of Technology, Liberation and the African American Experience.”
The exhibit explores the ways in which black culture and technology have intersected throughout history, from the Afrofuturist art of the mid-20th century to contemporary explorations of technology and identity in black culture.
Exploring the Legacy of Afrofuturism
The exhibit features a range of interactive installations, films, and art pieces that examine the legacy of Afrofuturist thought, including works by prominent artists such as Sun Ra, Octavia Butler, and George Clinton.
One of the centerpieces of the exhibit is a life-sized installation inspired by the work of science fiction author Octavia Butler, in which visitors can walk through a “portal” into a science-fiction-inspired world of the future.
Contemporary Perspectives on Technology and Identity
In addition to exploring historic Afrofuturist art and culture, the exhibit also features contemporary works that examine the intersection of technology and identity in black culture. These works include installations by artists such as Lynnée Denise and Theodore Darst, as well as a series of films exploring topics such as black surveillance and the future of the internet.
“Seeing Science: Afrofuturism and the Intersection of Technology, Liberation and the African American Experience” is on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture through May 2023.