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?
This story is from the Winter 2022 edition of JUXTAPOZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Winter 2022 edition of JUXTAPOZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
George Condo - The Artificial Realist
In the comfort of his bedroom, New Hampshire-born artist George Condo contemplated his place and personal perspective on art criticism and history.
Ever Velasquez – The Chingona of Chinatown
Today, Velasquez manages the gallery that’s become ground zero for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ exhibitions and artist representation in Los Angeles. We sat down for a punk rock lunch at Toi in West Hollywood and chatted about her strong influence in the Los Angeles art scene.
Mike Lee - The Privilege of Innocence
“Go west, young man!” An iconic phrase that drove America’s westward expansion—a call to citizens and immigrants alike, to embrace Manifest Destiny and seek new lands, prosperity, and freedom.
Art and Science in Bloom
Laguna College of Art + Design Teams with UCI School of Medicine
Women Dressing Women
The Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute celebrates women designers
Shepard Fairey - The Iconic Icon
As I enter Shepard Fairey’s Los Angeles studio on a sunny October afternoon, a considerably large painting of Andy Warhol sits on an easel, eyes focused and looming directly over the shoulder of Fairey as he adds watercolor touches to a series of works on paper.
April Bey - A Trip To Atlantica
Drawing from her own experiences in Bahamian and American cultures, April Bey’s work as both an artist and educator critically explores themes of race, identity, supremacy, and colonialism.
A Guide for Quitting Your Job and Crossing Europe
Copenhagen, Paris, and Sweet Sweet Sarajevo
Sarah Lee - At Moonlight
When was the last time you sat in stillness? Turned off your phone? Closed your eyes and allowed your brain to neutralize and excavate an instinct deep inside, opening the senses to risk and exposure? Likely not recently.
Lola Gil - Through Her Looking Glass
It's not surprising that a very young Lola Gil spent unhurried hours among her grandmother's collection of small, humble figures and objects.