Howard University’s master of fine arts students hosted an afrofuturism studio art exhibition, connecting people from the African diaspora to their forgotten ancestry. The art exhibition included student-made fashion garments, paintings and an interior design set up. Light refreshments and snacks were also provided.
On the weekend of April 21, the exhibition’s objective was to highlight the beauty of afrofuturism, a genre that centers black history across the diaspora and incorporates science-fiction, technology and futuristic elements into literature, music and the visual arts. The special gathering took place on Washington D.C.’s Sherman Ave.
Siah Prince, a first year electronic studio graduate fine arts student, talks about the inspiration behind the afrofuturism event and the art included in the exhibition.
“A few of us are taking an afrofuturism class that revolves around black work and where it’s going. So, we decided to make the exhibition surrounding Afro-progression, futurism and just embracing all of the themes of our work,” Prince said.
“We have a couple of arts featured. We have mixed media collages by myself. We also have a bunch of oil paintings, portraits and surrealist interpretations. We also have fashion pieces and an interior design set,” Prince added.
One of the talented artists whose work was displayed was first year graduate student and fine arts major, Miguel Davis Jr. Born in Washington D.C, Miguel always knew he was an artist even at a young age. Starting with sculptures and wooden projects, by the time he was a junior in high school, the young artist fell in love with painting. Miguel then chose oil painting specifically as his craft to perfect and has been at it since then. Miguel Davis Jr. spoke to the Hilltop about his inspirations and future plans regarding his art career. “One main artist that inspires me is Ernie Barnes. If you’ve ever seen Good Times, he’s responsible for all those paintings. His use of color and dramatic expressions of black people and use of long limbs inspired me,” Davis said. “I definitely want to move into other galleries and Museums as well. I want to open my own studio and help support other artists,” Davis added.
The Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts is home to many talented artists. From aspiring actors and actresses to painters, it is imperative that the robust talent in the building is being shown to the world. Student exhibitions help students display their hard work while giving them the opportunity to network with career professionals.
Amira Grey, a second year graduate student studying interior design, talks about the importance of student exhibitions giving aspiring artists an opportunity to showcase their work.
“It’s extremely important. Especially with the fact that we are trying to be professional artists. This is not a school sanctioned event. We did everything ourselves. It’s really about how can we take it further than just getting a degree,” Grey said.
Copy edited by Jadyn Barnett
