Unveiling Visions is a visual exploration of complex narratives on the esoteric black speculative imagination. With the exhibition’s title in conversation with W.E.B. DuBois’ concept of “The Veil,” Unveiling Visions exposes new textures of the scholar’s contentious theory. The exhibition explores the veil as a uniquely black lens, and recounts what happens when this vision is used not to achieve American assimilation or acceptance, but rather, to pursue an autonomous creative reality. In this story, the veil functions as a set of enhanced lenses used for critical making and interpreting of counter narratives that reimagine phenomena for African peoples worldwide. Through an analysis of visual culture within the genres of Afrofuturism, science fiction, horror, comics, magical realism, and fantasy, Unveiling Visions examines the power that creativity wields in the struggle for various freedoms of expression and the politics of resistance.
Unveiling Visions applies a global lens to the black imagination, and brings this context to a wide survey of contemporary works.
Showcasing illustrations, graphic design, video, literature, film posters, and mixedmedia digital and analog artworks, U nveiling Visions features 87 emerging, midcareer and acclaimed artists, writers and designers. The exhibition brings works to print that have never been exhibited outside of the digital realm; and includes a host of “Shadow Objects,” film posters and book covers that were never published; all alongside works in traditional media from the Schomburg's collection.
This exhibition took place at the Schomburg Center in 2015 in the Latimer/ Edison Gallery.
