Analysis and interpretation of MLK by David Huffman

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Analysis and interpretation of MLK by David Huffman
Visual artists have adopted various forms of art over time to represent diverse messages to the audience. Afrofuturism is increasingly garnering interest because of innovation by artists, and its interaction with science fiction and music. Afrofuturism thus borrows from the past integrating themes such as race, gender, power, politics and empowerment, while also seeking to provide different visions of the future. Critical consideration of black popular music and inquiry on afrofuturism mean that futuristic studies will likely delve into development of afrofuturism as an art, within the social context of black culture. Afrofuturism is not necessarily utopic, as it explores the subject of oppression through reimagining history and emphasizing on black consciousness. This essay explores afrofuturism and the MLK painting by David Huffman.
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The MLK, painting features black astronauts carrying the body of Martin Luther King (MLK) in a funeral procession. A Biblical Moses like figure features prominently in the picture as if guiding the people to the Promised Land, as envisioned by MLK. One of the men carries a peace symbol, showing that there are political undertones in the painting. The setting is a natural landscape, with green, gray and black colors dominating the scene, as if the astronauts are following a path likened to the one Moses made through parting waters (Quinn). The re-imagined scenario transcends stereotypes about the African Americans, who can chart their own destiny and bring social changes in the political scene without resulting to violence. As such, the picture intends to show the struggles and journey of the African American people towards achieving equality in the society. The main audience is the African American community, as the future is depicted as being bright, and this is significant as the people should not lose hope, and that MLK’s dream will be achieved.
In MLK, David Huffman invokes the message of liberation of the oppressed people or those suffering discrimination at the hands of the oppressors. In particular, black people in America are the main focus for the painting. The artcists makes a futuristic angle to the depiction of black people, where MLK embodies change and the resolve to eliminate discrimination in the society. In other words culture and politics cannot be separated from struggles for those who do not represent the dominant white male culture in the U.S. As such, invoking the image of MLK seeks to reconcile the past with a bright future, whereby has an equal opportunity o succeed in the society without facing hurdles on their way.
Afrofuturism presents the views of black visual artists in the contemporary world, it mostly depicts the views common for African American audiences (Bristow 25). MLK, is one such example that transcends cultures but is particularly relevant to the African American can people. In any case, afrofuturism draws inspiration from technology, and as such cyber culture is likely to make the art more popular among the black audiences. The themes explored in afrofuturism typically integrate science fiction and speculates on the future, and this is a form of escapism depicting the lives of black people in the western world (Bristow 25).
Afrofuturism has played a more prominent role as a companion to black feminism in the 21st century. Emphasis on gendered diversity by feminists in the Afrofuturism movement, gives a voice to black writers and artists who use speculative fiction, music and fine arts to highlight on the power of liberation. Huffman invokes a historical past while reflecting on an imagined future, where participants shape a world that is more inclusive. For feminists this is a better prospect as they can identify with afrofuturism artistic expression, especially when artists explore the theme of liberation. In any case decentralization of digital arts has meant that it is easier for afro centric artists and cyber feminists to challenge imposed notions about identity in the western world (Bristow 28).