The Adler Planetarium in Chicago has recently unveiled a new sky show that is captivating audiences with its blend of theoretical cosmology, Black culture, and imagination. Titled “Niyah and the Multiverse,” the show is a prime example of Afrofuturism, a genre that explores alternate realities based on perspectives of the African diaspora.
Ytasha Womack, a prominent figure in the Afrofuturism movement, played a key role in curating the show. Known for her work in both writing about and from within the genre, Womack has organized Afrofuturism events across the country and her work is currently featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Womack discussed the significance of Afrofuturism and its impact on society. She explained that Afrofuturism is a way of thinking about the future that integrates imagination, liberation, technology, and mysticism. The genre offers a nonlinear perspective of time, where the future, past, and present can coexist as one.
Womack also shared some of the Afrofuturist works that have influenced her, including the music collective Parliament-Funkadelic from the 1970s. She recalled how their epic album covers, depicting space-tastic imagery, sparked her imagination as a child.
“Niyah and the Multiverse” aims to inspire audiences with its exploration of Afrofuturist themes woven together with core concepts in physics. By showcasing diverse perspectives and alternate realities, the show invites viewers to imagine a future that is both liberating and transformative.
As Afrofuturism continues to gain popularity in mainstream culture, “Niyah and the Multiverse” stands out as a groundbreaking example of how the genre can inspire and captivate audiences with its unique blend of creativity and innovation.
