Enter a Futuristic World of Afro-Surrealism at Artechouse NYC
Immerse yourself in Afro-surrealist sounds, poetry, and images at the newest experience inside Artechouse NYC!
“So will it be.” This is the mantra of the latest immersive show at Artechouse, a hi-tech art space inside the former basement boiler room of Chelsea Market. Titled Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies, the new experience features the spiritual digital art of London-based artist Vince Fraser and poetry from ursula rucker. Aṣẹ, pronounced “AH-shay,” translates to “So will it be,” a positive affirmation derived from the Yoruba people of West Africa. The project is a collaboration between Fraser and rucker to honor the Black experience with powerful words, moving music, and mesmerizing imagery.
Get free tickets to this show on April 11th and 23rd and May 1st as an Untapped New York Insider! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today with code JOINUS and get your first month free. Members of the general public can purchase tickets to Artechouse here!
Aṣẹ: Afro-Frequencies at Artechouse
The center of this audio-visual experience is Vision of the Black Experience, a four-part show narrated by rucker with visuals by Fraser projected onto all four walls and the expansive floor of the space. This show explores themes of resilience, celebration, and the possibility of the future in African culture. It derives visual elements from the current zeitgeist and the mystical realms of African culture while constructing an imagined futuristic vision of what is to come. The piece culminates in a new final chapter showcasing Fraser’s recent experiments with AI tools, demonstrating the artist’s evolution and reflection upon the potential of digital innovation to expand the boundaries of artistic expression.
Vision of the Black Experience is accompanied by additional installations that further explore the central themes. Thousand masks is an audio-visual piece about the diverse culture in Africa. Afrikanism is a futuristic map that moves under the visitor’s feet, showcasing the African continent. As you walk through the multi-sensory artwork, experience the colorful visuals that will transcend you into the spiritual realms of African culture.
At the ARTECHOUSE XR Bar, guests can enjoy signature drinks made with traditional ingredients from Africa and bring them to life with extended reality (XR) activations on the ARTECHOUSE mobile app. Behind the bar, guests will see an interactive installation, Iwoyi, which means “echo” in the Yoruba language. This backdrop uses images of visitors to create an intricate collage inspired by Fraser’s early collage work.
Aṣẹ: Afro-Frequencies at Artechouse
Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies will be on view through the summer of 2024. Members of the general public can purchase tickets to Artechouse here! Join Untapped New York Insiders for a free visit to the show on April 11th & 23rd and May 1st.
Next, check out Must-See NYC Art Installations in March
