The New Museum is set to host the largest-ever survey exhibition of the works of filmmaker and multimedia artist Arthur Jafa, titled I Am Tony. This two-floor showcase, opening in September, will explore Jafa's nearly four-decade-long career and his interrogation of 'Black being'.
Jafa's work is particularly fascinating due to its ability to evoke powerful emotions. Personally, I think his video montage 'Love is the Message, The Message is Death' (2016) is a prime example of this. The work, set to Kanye West's 'Ultralight Beam', assembles archival and contemporary elements of Black visual culture, including news clips, music videos, and original footage. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it simultaneously captures the beauty and pain of Black American life, offering a cathartic experience for viewers. In my opinion, this is a rare occurrence in art, where an artwork can truly give you permission to cry.
Jafa's exploration of Black popular music in his films is also noteworthy. The reference to the late jazz drummer Tony Williams, who coined an irregular, open style of jazz drumming, builds upon this dialogue. From my perspective, Jafa's work is a pulsating commentary on Black culture and its representation in media.
The exhibition will feature some of Jafa's most iconic works, including 'The White Album' (2018), a 30-minute film that critiques the social construct of whiteness. This work earned Jafa a Golden Lion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. The survey will also showcase new works, providing a comprehensive view of Jafa's artistic journey.
The upcoming survey will be curated by New Museum Artistic Director Massimiliano Gioni, alongside Senior Curator Gary Carrion-Murayari and Curatorial Assistant Calvin Wang. This exhibition is a significant event in the art world, offering a unique perspective on Black culture and its representation in media. It raises a deeper question about the role of art in challenging societal norms and offering new insights.
One thing that immediately stands out is the New Museum's decision to showcase Jafa's work alongside new pieces. This approach allows for a more dynamic and evolving understanding of Jafa's artistic practice. What many people don't realize is that this exhibition is not just a retrospective, but a living, breathing exploration of Jafa's ongoing artistic journey.
In conclusion, the New Museum's I Am Tony exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and its role in challenging societal norms. It offers a unique perspective on Black culture and its representation in media, and it is a testament to the power of art to evoke powerful emotions and offer new insights.
