The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) announces its latest exhibition, Mami Wata Afrofuturism: 500 Years Back to the [Afro][F]uture, curated by HMAAC’s Chief Curator, Christopher Blay.
Scheduled to debut on Friday, April 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this groundbreaking showcase offers a unique exploration of the intersection between the past and the future through the lens of Afrofuturism.
Inspired by an essay authored by curator Blay, the exhibition delves into the historical transatlantic journeys of Black people and reimagines the possibilities of tomorrow. Blay’s essay reflects on the origins of Afrofuturism, tracing its roots to the harrowing experiences of enslaved individuals crossing the Atlantic. Despite the uncertainties and hardships they faced, these individuals carried with them their physical bodies, beliefs, visions and ancestral knowledge.
In Mami Wata Afrofuturism, technology is a conduit for ancestral wisdom, bridging the gap between past and present. The artists featured in the exhibition draw upon the mythology of Mami Wata and the diverse cultures of the African diaspora to envision a future shaped by resilience and creativity.
Through their artwork, these artists challenge conventional notions of time and space, reclaiming future spaces from the Atlantic’s depths and the Mississippi River’s currents. They invite viewers to navigate the cosmos with the same ingenuity and resourcefulness as their ancestors, charting a course toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
The artists featured in the exhibition are:
Arnold J. Browne, a conceptual portrait photographer and owner of Bymsha Browne Photography.
Carla Jay Harris Photographer.
Lewinale Havette Painter.
Miatta Kawinzi Miatta Kawinzi (she/her/they/them) is a Kenyan-Liberian-American multi-disciplinary artist, writer, and educator.
Abi Salami Abi Salami is a self-taught artist who creates large-scale surrealists.
Lakea Shepard, a mixed media designer, sculptor, and milliner.
Raymond Thompson Raymond is an artist, educator, and visual journalist.
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and foster dialogue around identity, representation, and social justice issues. The event is free and open to the public.
