Afronaut Afrotopia is a vibrant exploration of Afrofuturism, blending the richness of African heritage with the boundless possibilities of space exploration. This exhibition invites you to journey alongside Nova, Orion, and Zara as they navigate the cosmos, each embodying unique aspects of African identity and futurism.
The Afronauts travel in their spaceship, "Umoja," meaning unity, exploring stunning nebulas and mysterious planets. As they voyage deeper into space, they meet various civilizations and uncover cosmic wonders, always guided by their mission to promote peace and cultural pride.
The term "afronaut" is derived from astronaut. The series was also inspired by the multicolored galaxy shots from the James Webb telescope.
“These works are a combination of AI, digital collage and illustration. I use Midjourney to generate the models, then illustrate the colorful facial patterns in Photoshop.”
Meet the Afronauts
Nova is the wise strategist of the group. Her face is a canvas of swirling, colorful patterns that change and move, reflecting her quick thinking and adaptability. She's the one who always has a plan, ready to face any challenge the universe throws at them.
"The term Nova means ‘new star’ thus I chose the name for the Genesis piece of the series."
Orion is the tech wizard. Her face is adorned with intricate bee swarm designs, symbolizing her ability to find order and beauty in the complexity of technology. She’s the brains behind their innovative spacecraft, always tinkering and improving.
"The Orion constellation has been one of my favorites since I was young, I would go out at night just to stare at the magnificent 3 stars forming a perfect line in the starry night."
Zara is the scientist with a passion for discovering new life. Her face features vibrant butterflies, representing her love for transformation and exploration. She’s fascinated by the diversity of life forms they encounter on their journey.
"She is associated with brightness and radiance, which is evident from her space suit."
“Our cultural heritage isn't a relic of the past, it's a living force that shapes the identity of generations to come. I’m from the Kikuyu community in Nairobi, Kenya. Our community is known for farming, so I've learnt the importance of co-existing with nature. Nature is not separate from man - if we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
Curator's Statement (juujuumama)
"Here, we see a future where African heritage and advanced technology coexist beautifully. These women who carry their culture into the stars show us that our traditions and innovations can go hand in hand."
"Itan" translates to "story" or "history" in Yoruba. Yoruba people are one of the largest and most culturally significant ethnic groups in West Africa. Yoruba culture is known for its vibrant and expressive arts, including sculpture, textiles, music, dance, and storytelling. Yoruba art has a strong emphasis on symbolism and spirituality and has influenced the broader African art world. Itan Foundation World isn’t just about displaying art, but also about telling the stories and histories of West African artists, their cultures and their creative journeys. Each artwork is selected for its ability to evoke a sense of storytelling and exploration.