Redefining Art and Identity!
Afrofuturism is a way of thinking that emphasizes the importance of African culture and history in futuristic contexts. It is an approach to art that uses science and technology to explore Black identity, culture, and history. The movement incorporates literature, music, visual art on themes such as Black identity and the future of humanity.
Afrofuturism began as an artistic movement in the late 1980s and has been gaining momentum ever since. Afrofuturist works are based on delicate subjects such as race, identity, spirituality, politics and social justice. It is a way for African descendants to express themselves through art that reflects their experiences as people of color.
The Rise of Afrofuturism and the Role of Artists
Afrofuturism has its roots in African folklore, no doubt! But it is safe to say it has been heavily influenced by American culture too. Starts Wars, Black Panther do they ring a bell? Surely! The movement drew inspiration from science fiction movie writers such as George Clinton, Isaac Asimov which led them to create meaningful and powerful pieces.
Let us not forget the big influence of musicians like Miles Davis, Sun Ra and James Brown. The 1970s were an interesting time for the music industry. Disco was king, and bands like Parliament Funkadelic rose to fame with their album Mothership Connection (1975). This album focused on space travel through funk music as its medium. Artists have been embracing the aesthetics of Afrofuturism in their music videos and performances for years—Janelle Monae was one of the first to do so and soon followed by artists like Solange Knowles and Maxwell D. Today.
We own the continuous rise of Afrofuturism and its role into the modern world, to some great emerging artists such as Maxime Manga and Roxanne Gray who dare to be creative by exploring different ideas through different mediums.
Boundless Creative Possibilities for Afrofuturism
In the recent years, artists like Montreal based Kalyan Michel have taken Afrofuturism into a new territory by combining it with other forms of art and culture including graffiti, street art, and painting. This generation of artists has taken what was once considered a fringe movement into a mainstream culture by mixing different channels and styles in ways that are both aesthetically pleasing but also thought-provoking at time… okay with us!
Afrofuturism started as a concept but has evolved into something more significant. It is now a way of life for many people who identify with it and want to express themselves through a variety of mediums from music to visual arts to literature, and even fashion. It is easy to see why Afrofuturism is such an important part of today’s art—it allows people to explore what it means to be Black and proud without having to rely on stereotypes.