PORTAL

Concept for an experiential art installation designed for citizens of the African Diaspora.

A concept born from America’s conflict over the removal of confederate statues. For too long the pall of the confederacy had hung over the heads of African Americans, a reminder of their ancestors status as enslaved peoples.  The intention of the Black Flag installation is to counter the messaging of those confederate statues, to create an experience to meld the past, the present and the future. I want to bring a sense of scale and gravity that would and and all who attended. The installation would travel the Southern states as well as cities where African Americans live in large numbers.

The Portal. The entranceway to the installation is emblazoned with a bas relief of the African continent in bronze. The embossed Adrinka symbols (designed by the Ashanti) at eye level carries a message to be deciphered.

ENTRANCEWAY

Once through the curtain, a video loop of a drumline dressed in militaristic black, red and green uniforms fills a wall, the sound and image combining the timelessness of the drum in a modern drawing participants into the room.

FETISH

A fetish altar abundant with symbolism. It is a tribute to the Black woman, mother of all life (carved black cameo and Black Madonna). The skull of the water buffalo pays homage to the strength of the many. The hand plough and iron sword reference work and ingenuity while the jaw of the ass is the humble object used by Samson to vanquish the many Philistines. In addition, any visitor can pay tribute to their ancestors by placing a picture of a deceased family member on the wall, thus becoming a permanent part of the exhibit.

PORTAL

Modeled after the pre-pharonic Kushite monuments found in Meroe, Sudan, The Portal appears both modern and timeless. Designed along sacred mathematics, The Portal becomes a monument to honor the individual and the collective Diaspora. Its scale and presentationboth inspire and bring awe for all who stand in its presence.

ALTERNATES

CITIZEN CARD

Each visitor will have an opportunity to sit for a personalized citizen card. The subject will sit in front of a classic backdrop (think James Vanderzee) which will be digitally printed on plastic and embossed with a unique number. This is a way for everyone to forever feel connected to the larger story... that we are citizens of a global nation greater than borders, each one a herald and a physical embodiment of a Black world.

A rotating photography collection of real people wielding the New Flag of the Diaspora. These images will be oversized and modernistic with a statuesque dynamism and power. The images will be constantly changing as new sittings occur during the span of the exhibit.

Offering visitors an opportunity to be part of the exhibition and be archived on the Blackportalexhibit.com. Along with free digital downloads, we will also offer prints for sale (along with flags, buttons and tees).

THE FLAG

Based on the colors of the orignal Pan-Africanist flag as designed by the UNIA in 1920, this take modernizes and creates a new narrative for the 21st century. The constellation of stars in the top right field, when laid over a map of the world coincides with all the nations where people of the African Diaspora are to be found. The red offset line of blood isn’t straight but it runs broadly through a verdant greenAfrica, source of all life.

DIGITAL PORTAL

For those unable to physically visit the installation, they can still participate in building the narrative. Via a free standing website (and/or Instagram), people can post what they imagine the Black Diaspora will look, feel and sound like in the new millennium. And then something completely magical happens...