Resources on Afrofuturism

Urbance. Steambot Studios

An afrofuturist work is one that is both speculative and specific to the experiences of the African diaspora. Common themes of afrofuturist art include being alien abduction, the final frontier, re-imagining history, and race as technology. These themes are common in fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction in general but when explored through the lens of the Africana experience, the work becomes afrofuturist.

The Shame Game. Trenton Doyle Hancock. 2012.

This is the way. Trenton Doyle Hancock. 2012.

Afrofuturism is a term used to describe speculative art that is specific to the experiences of the African diaspora. Usually this work falls into the realm of science fiction, fantasy, or magical...

Run Lara Run. Larissa Sansour. 2008.

Immigrants are often referred to as "aliens." What does it mean to be called this? Why would one human call another human by this word? To be alien is to be a stranger, to not belong.

Also consider separatist movements and voluntary segregation. Perhaps otherworldly travel is a way for oppressed groups to escape persecution.

Pumzi. Wanuri Kahiu. 2010.

What makes humans, human? Many have tackled this ancient question. A popular version is Franz Kafka's Metamorphoses, wherein a white man is transformed into a giant insect. The novella asks the audience to consider the humanity of the protagonist, Samsa, though he is no longer in human form. Samsa's humanity is never questioned before his transformation. From the point of  view of a person of color, this would be a very different story. Even in human form, a POCs humanity is scrutinized.

Race was invented in order to satisfy a capitalist need for cheap labor. Much scholarship was created in order to prove the existence of race (eugenics, phrenology, etc); these pseudosciences failed. Consider the relationship between this reality and the science fictional idea of cyborgs and/or androids. These are imaginary beings that would improve efficiency in the workplace.

Untitled from the series "Typology." Laylah Ali. 2005-present.

Nomenclature. David Huffman. 2008.

The A77A Project: On Presidents & Superheroes. Khaled Hafez. 2009.

THEESatisfaction - Earthseed