"The Shadows Took Shape"

This lively group exhibition examines the aesthetics of Afrofuturism, a genre embraced by various African-American artists, musicians and writers who use elements of science fiction, fantasy, magical realism and Pan-Africanism in their work. Its origins can be traced to the sonic stylings and cosmic philosophy of legendary jazz composer and electronic-music pioneer Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, 1914–1993)—who, among other things, claimed he was from Saturn and performed in costumes that mixed the pharaonic with the extraterrestrial. Initially created as a kind of alternative reality positioned against the racism of American society, Afrofuturism has become an important strain in contemporary African-American culture.