Nigerian artist Komi Olaf's '3014' is a representation of Afrofuturism, an artistic genre that uses technoculture, science fiction and fantasy to depict the distant future of African people, places and ideas. The painting was commissioned for 'Black Future Month,' the first Afrofuturism art exhibition in Toronto.
Olaf's painting is set in a future where humanity is recovering from nuclear fall-out. Survivors have at their disposal a way to extract images and dreams from their sub-conscious and project them, in the form of light, onto the walls that surround them. The painting itself depicts an African woman in a walled room, wearing a head-dress decorated with flowers. Her gait is upright and markedly confident, almost arrogant. A golden light projects from her pointed right index finger onto the wall, casting her visions and dreams in its glow.
The woman's name is Alkebulan (believed to be the original, indigenous name of Africa.) Her name may be a relic of Africa's distant past, but her stunning depiction by Olaf is a conscious nod to Afrofuturism.
Afrofuturism Paintings
Komi Olaf's '3014' Depicts an African Woman a 1000 Years in the Future
Trend Themes
1. Afrofuturism Art - As the popularity of Afrofuturism grows globally, there is an opportunity for artists to create new visions of optimism, strength and heroism for Black people.
2. Science-fantasy Art - As the demand for Afrofuturism grows, artists can find innovative ways to blend science fiction and fantasy, opening up for new design opportunities through emerging technologies.
3. Neuroart - As the digital era progresses, emerging technologies in AI and neuroscience may provide artists with innovative tools for creative expression, such as projecting visions and dreams from our sub-conscious through light.
Industry Implications
1. Art Exhibition Industry - Art exhibition organizers can capitalize on the growth of Afrofuturism to organize thematic art exhibitions to showcase emerging artists from different cultures with complementary skills and talents.
2. Entertainment Industry - As the surge in demand for Afrofuturism art continues, the entertainment industry, including video games, cinema, and animation, can leverage talented Afrofuturist artists to create new stories, characters, and settings for creative expression.
3. Artificial Intelligence Industry - The emerging technologies in AI and neuroscience provide a unique opportunity for collaboration between digital and traditional artists, leading to the creation of Neuroart – a new genre of art that blends AI and art to create unique, personalized works of art.