The Mothership – Sublime Afrofuturism at OMCA

“Afrofuturism is sort of like a filter that can be applied to any aspect of life. It is a theory of knowledge. It often collapses the past, present, and future into a singular experience or recontextualizes a historical moment. [...]"

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Oakland Museum of California has produced a moving, immersive journey, aptly described by curator Rhonda Pagnozzi: “Afrofuturism is sort of like a filter that can be applied to any aspect of life. It is a theory of knowledge. It often collapses the past, present, and future into a singular experience or recontextualizes a historical moment. By restructuring time or recontextualizing history, Afrofuturism provides a platform for reclaiming Black narratives and creating bold territories. This is why it was important to highlight historical moments in the exhibition; to showcase Afrofuturism’s ability to bend time to reveal present day truths.”

Pagnozzi generously shared some stories from her creative process, “It is sort of like writing a song, finding a series of right notes that will illuminate the story you are telling,” she mentioned, exemplifying the artistry behind a curatorial practice.

Juxtapoz: Parliament Funkadelic’s Mothership is a central feature of the exhibit. Was it an anchor point for the concept?