The exhibition at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, titled “Unbound: Art, Blackness, & the Universe,” delves into the intricate relationship between African and African diasporic artists and their interpretations of the cosmos. The show, spanning three floors of the museum, invites visitors to explore how these artists envision ancestral and futuristic concepts of the universe, prompting deep reflection and contemplation.
The journey through the exhibition begins with a juxtaposition of wooden sculptures from West Africa, setting the stage for a profound exploration of the cosmos. The Dogon figure and the Oshe Sango ceremonial staff serve as symbolic representations of the connection between the human body, ritual objects, ancestors, deities, and the universe itself. The verticality of the Dogon figure emphasizes the body as a cosmological axis, while the Oshe Sango staff embodies the thunderous forces of justice and order.
Moving through the exhibition, visitors encounter Mikael Owunna’s captivating photographs of individuals adorned with celestial patterns, creating an immersive experience that transports them into a celestial realm. Harmonia Rosales’s painting “Creation Story” reimagines a Yoruba creation myth within the context of European Renaissance visual language, bridging cultural and historical narratives.
Didier William’s “Dark Shores” and Gustavo Nazareno’s “The Secret Matrices of Creation” offer unique perspectives on diasporic movement and Afro-Brazilian cosmology, respectively. These artworks invite viewers to ponder the intersections of identity, migration, and spirituality within the cosmic framework.
Oasa DuVerney’s graphite drawings from the “Black Power Wave” series further enrich the exhibition with their exploration of wisdom and the concept of looking back to move forward. These powerful images evoke a sense of interconnectedness and continuity across time and space.
“Unbound: Art, Blackness & the Universe” transcends traditional narratives of the cosmos, inviting viewers to engage with diverse perspectives and interpretations. The exhibition challenges Western scientific frameworks and encourages a more holistic and inclusive understanding of the universe through aesthetic, spiritual, and political lenses.
This thought-provoking exhibition will be on display at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco until August 16. Curated by Key Jo Lee, “Unbound” offers a unique opportunity to explore the boundless creativity and imagination of Black artists in relation to the universe.
