These New Wave Black Artists are Transporting Us into the Future.

In the 21st century, the aesthetic components of the internet are transforming the way artists create their work, Black artists in particular. As digital conversations tackle race, gender, sexuality, Black millennials are utilizing their artistic platforms to engage in visual dialogue with audiences in regards to these particular topics in a daring manner, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a Black artist in the 21st century.  

3rd EYE CHAKRA

Enter the realm of next-wave artist, 3rd Eye Chakra, where the subjects of their art are half-human and half-bionic. Emanating a Matrix, Fifth-Element aesthetic feel, each piece presents a concept of Blackness in otherworldly terms. Highlighting famous Black female figures such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Asia Doll, they are a forerunner in extended the conversation of traditional concepts of gender, spirituality, kink, and deviance.

Source: Instagram @3rd_eyechakra

SARAH NICOLE FRANCOIS

Based in Orlando, Florida, Sarah Nicole Francois composes three-dimensional art that centers the aesthetic of women of color. In addition to her clothing line 00SPORTWEAR///, her Instagram account 3dvas showcases her seem less transition to the production of internet art, creating an element of futurism in how we perceive women of color in beauty and fashion.

Source: Instagram @3dvas

TABITA REZAIRE

An artist of Guyanese and Danish heritage, Tabita Rezaire specializes in art that mixes traditional African spiritual practices with technology. The artist employs CGI and virtual reality animations in her work, Rezaire appeared in the British online publication, Huck Magazine, to explain the mechanics of her as an artist. “Art is a healing technology. “Through my practice and the research involved, I have been able to make sense of the world around me and that’s had a tremendous impact on my own healing. I began to understand the mechanisms of oppression and the violence inflicted on us as black people. My video works became a way to ‘unlearn’: to peel off the layers of this coercive history.” Rezaire remains deeply critical of oppressive structures on the internet that make it a less democratic space for Black folks and people of color. She aims to present her work as a form of healing for marginalized people navigating the internet for safe spaces. Afro-Cyber Resistance, Urban Safari, A White Institution Guide For Welcoming People of Color and Their Audience, and Look at Her Butt: Digital Thoughts on Twerk.

Source: http://www.tabitarezaire.com/

KAI THE BLACK ANGEL

Playfully examining Black gender norms, Kai the Black Angel is a queer artist based challenging traditional ideals of Black masculinity. Their work, which often dramatically depicts Black genderqueer people decorated in feminine accessories, larger-than-life physical features, and bejeweled outfits, they bring Black queerness and vivid eccentricity to the canvas.

Source: Instagram @kaitheblackangel