The Beginner's Guide to Afrofuturism

Within the National African Art Museum in Washington, D.C. lies an enchanting exhibit that transports visitors into the dark depths of the ocean and the past. Ayana V. Jackson’s “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya,” through a symphony of underwater lighting, evocative imagery and an enchanting atmosphere, transcends the conventional, encapsulating the very essence of the mystical. Join me on a journey as we explore the profound narratives and irresistible allure that lie beneath the surface of this extraordinary underwater odyssey. For those considering their own deep-dive exploration, I’ve included some tips to enhance your experience, ensuring a voyage filled with wonder and discovery.

Swimming into the Deep

Ayana’s installation is a spellbinding fusion of artistry and immersion that plunges attendees into the profound Afrofuturistic mysteries lurking within the ocean. Enter the underwater civilization of Drexciya. The National African Art Museum articulates the essence and inspiration of the exhibit: “In the early 1990s, Drexciya, a Detroit-based techno duo made up of James Stinson and Gerald Donald, imagined an underwater kingdom populated by the children of pregnant women who had been thrown overboard or jumped voluntarily into the ocean during the transatlantic slave trade.”

According to the museum, the foundational myth of Drexciya has become a wellspring of inspiration for various artists, including Ayana. Through this exhibition, she skillfully breathes life into a captivating, feminist and sacred underwater realm, where African water spirits spanning from Senegal to South Africa play integral roles in the nurturing and protection of the Drexciyans.

Ayana urges us to confront the harsh historical realities that led these beings to the sea, all while encouraging us to envision a world dominated by formidable and resilient women. She uses her own body to convey a profound message and actively immerses herself in the experience of what it may have meant to be one of the estimated two million captives who never reached the shore. The poignant question she poses invites reflection: “What do you imagine the Drexciyans see looking back at us?”

Ayana V. Ayana

Hailing from New Jersey and consistently navigating the worlds of Brooklyn, Johannesburg and Paris, Ayana brings a unique perspective to her work. As you step into the exhibit, the underwater lighting immediately engulfs you, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the ocean’s depths. Ayana’s gaze, captured in a large photograph titled ” It’s Only When You Lose Your Mother That She Becomes Myth,” feels like it’s peering into the soul of every visitor as they enter. The intentionally dimly lit space is covered with wave imagery crashing along the walls, setting the stage for a truly immersive ride.

Tip 1: Dive into the Atmosphere. As you step into the exhibit, let the underwater lighting and wave imagery encompass you. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere and allow the ambiance to transport you into Ayana’s Afrofuturistic world. Grab a pamphlet that doubles as a souvenir and informational guide.

Garments in the Sea

Another room displays most of her costumes from the photographs, each a work of art in itself. Notable among them is the “Dweller in the Space of the Unknown,” a grass skirt and tribal bodice. Round screens are activated as you pass by, revealing animated images of Ayana. A captivating costume placed on a blue platform takes center stage, surrounded by sea-like waves made of nets. The costume itself, constructed from nets and ropes, features a necklace made of oyster shells. This piece, along with the dark blue and black walls, evokes a powerful image of a Drexciyan woman caught like a fish in a net. She is surrounded by accessories from the photographs: a bodice made from metal spoons, a metal crown and a replicated iron slave collar among others. There is another dress on display in this room with a skirt made entirely of Ghanaian money. 

Tip 2: Marvel at the fashion. In the room showcasing Ayana’s costumes, take a closer look at the intricate details. Contemplate the deeper meaning of each piece and what they represent in the world of Drexciya. 

Ethereal Beings

The exhibit predominantly features still photographs that, despite their static nature, possess an unimaginable allure. Ayana’s images showcase traditional African garb juxtaposed with European fashion of the time, each photograph named with a poetic touch, such as “The Self-Forgetfulness of Belonging Will Never Be Mine II.” The long hallway exhibits some of her most powerful works, with Ayana herself as the subject, glowing and levitating off the walls in a display of texture and emotion. One striking trilogy piece, “Cascading Celestial Giant I-III,” features three glowing photos, where Ayana’s physical state radiates from each captivating image. 

Tip 3: Let the walls lure you in. Take a stroll down the long hallway where Ayana’s powerful works continue to come to life. With each step, allow the photographs to jump off the walls and speak to you. Stop to savor each one and pay close attention to their titles, which provide clues to their intricate meanings. 

Mermaids Calling

Video footage surrounds visitors in a room filled with underwater scenes of Ayana adorned with tribal markings and various costumes floating across the screens. You can hear what sounds like a mermaid’s song playing before you even enter the room, aiding you to follow it into the deep. Whales, waves and ocean sounds can be heard amongst two tracks that discuss the transatlantic slave trade and feminist ideals. This makes me recall one of the photographs on display in the costume section entitled “The Sea Has Nothing to Offer but a Well-Executed Grave.”

Tip 4: Engage with Screens. Lose yourself in the screen-filled room and let the underwater sounds transport you into the heart of the narrative. Engage with the round screens in the costume section as well, which activate with animated images and sounds as you walk by. 

Scents & Sounds of Drexciya 

The exhibit is not only a visual relic but an auditory, fragrant and reflective experience. As you near the end of the hallway there are two identical sections complete with benches, pillows and floor cushions. Afrofuturistic Detroit techno from Drexciya plays in the background of the first section which invites you to enjoy the music, breathe, listen and contemplate. 

On the opposite side, a similar lounge area with a scent installation further enhances the sensory experience. The aroma of ocean-fresh sea water, amber and driftwood fills the air, creating a space for exploration, restoration and meditation. There is a shelf of literature that inspired this installation that visitors can pick up and read. This section also includes portal windows allowing glimpses into a water and starry sky background, with seaweed covering the floor and Ayana’s Elizabethan-era dress floating among them. 

Tip 5: Breathe, Listen, Contemplate. Let the music of Drexciya take you away as you relax on the benches and cushions. Meditate for a minute or two while breathing in the scent installation and see where your mind wanders—leaf through some of the literature that is presented here. 

Back to the Surface

In the enchanting depths of “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya,” consider this exhibition not merely as a collection of artworks but as an invitation to engage with a submerged world. Ayana, with her masterful strokes of creativity in reimagining this world, has captured a canvas that whispers (and at times screams) tales of Afrofuturistic wonders. She beckons you to linger in a space where history and hopeful imagination waltz hand in hand. “From the Deep” is a voyage into the uncharted, an embrace of resilience and an affirmation that, even at the surface, the echoes of the underwater realm continue to ripple through your thoughts, sparking a mental tide that stays with you long after you’ve come ashore.

Tip 6: Sit and absorb the mysticism. As you emerge from this aquatic dreamscape, reflect in the abyss. Absorb the profound energy of the exhibit and allow the emotions stirred by Ayana’s artistry to settle. Ask yourself the question again that Ayana posits to us: “What do you imagine the Drexciyans see looking back at us?”

Why You Should Visit

Embarking on a journey through “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya” is a profound encounter with Afrofuturistic wonders that beckon you to explore narratives both told and untold. In a world often overshadowed by mainstream history, this exhibition provides a vital platform to celebrate Black creativity in visual art, fashion and storytelling. This immersive experience and Ayana herself become a living embodiment of resilience and empowerment. 

Her artistic alchemy has birthed a realm where history intertwines with the fantastical, inviting visitors to dance with water spirits and envision a world where the strength of powerful, resilient women prevails. Departing from the exhibit is not an end but a continuation—a journey where the waters of imagination ripple through everyday life, reminding us that the depths of creativity know no bounds. “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya” is an odyssey that invites you to surface, transformed, carrying the magic of Afrofuturism and the allure of submerged wonders home with you.

In what ways do you believe “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya” contributes to the broader conversations around representation, identity and empowerment within the art community and beyond? Let me know in the comments below!