Afro futurism
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African diaspora culture with technology. It was coined by Mark Dery in 1993 and explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson. Wikipedia
Afropolitan
Afropolitan is a term constructed from the name Africa and the ancient Greek word πολίτης, meaning ‘citizen’. It is an attempt at redefining African phenomena by placing emphasis on ordinary citizens’ experiences in Africa. Afropolitanism is similar to the older Panafricanism ideology. Wikipedia
Melodies, plural of melody
Melody A melody, also tune, voice or line, is a linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single entity. In its most literal sense, a melody is a combination of pitch and rhythm, while more figuratively, the term can include successions of other musical elements such as tonal color. Wikipedia
Afropolitan is a term constructed from the name Africa and the ancient Greek word πολίτης, meaning ‘citizen’. It is an attempt at redefining African phenomena by placing emphasis on ordinary citizens’ experiences in Africa. Afropolitanism is similar to the older Panafricanism ideology. Wikipedia
Oh Apothecary, whence forth thine ancient and learned art…?😞
“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in
reputation for wisdom and honour.”
Ecclesiastes 10:1 KJV
“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.” Exodus 30:25 KJV
So why am I fascinated by the Swiss born “dada” movement?
Ironically, in the Yoruba language “dada” is used to describe someone born with locked hair or “dreadlocks”
(There are other meanings in the Yoruba language that I will investigate and share in future posts! Eg. I believe there is a Dada in relation to Shango the god of thunder!)
Apophenia is defined as the human ability or tendency to confer or see meaningful patterns in random data.
Dadaism coupled with apophenia allows the opportunity for art expression from a variety of random sources! It gives an artist permission to be playful yet exploratory with art processing. It also allows art to have an array of varying interpretations!
I’m toyin with new phrases such as “neo soul dadaism” or “afro dada” to represent my current practice. Or just simply leave it be as “dada” but with the Yoruba accents’ attached!!! 😊
© Lara Rose 2016
© Lara Rose 2016
Round
Round and black
Round and blank
Round moon
Round planet
Round Afro
© Lara Rose 2016
Africa, oh Africa!
Summon the glory of Africa!
Africa, oh Africa!
Will you raise your Pharaohs again?
Land of gold and precious jewels;
Will you adorn thyself again?
Africa, oh Africa!
Summon the glory of Africa!
© Lara Rose 2016
Shame on you, shame on you motherland Africa,
Shame, shame, shame on you.
Still you persist in de-robing ze innocence of le virgins.
Still you mutilate and castrate le future.
Still you abuse and clubber,
Still you cause the hearts to shudder.
At the ill gotten gain;
Of licentiousness pain.
You seem not to care;
You seem not to hear.
The cry of newborn child,
Left to wander, yonder wild;
Like a crevasse, displaced, torn, ruptured from the womb;
You erupt, molten magma, scattered pieces, empathy doomed.
Shame, shame, shame on you
Shame, shame, on you,
Motherland Africa!
From, far North Eritrea, West Nigeria to South Zulu.
Shame, shame, shame on you
Motherland Africa!
© Lara Rose 2016
Never apologise for your art!!
I was so blessed tonight to get to leave work early and catch the last two acts at our local talent showcase night!!
It struck me during the performances that, we as artists need to be more confident and less apologetic about our art.
Listening to the apologises and the disclaimers of these two incredible talented singer songwriters, I realised I do that too!
I think of artist such as Stravinsky, Bob Marley, Herbie Hancock, Bjork, Kate Bush who broke the rules and stuck to their guns creating new genres.
Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” for me is one of the most profound examples of a musical work that came with no apology!!
Never apologise for your art.
Never be afraid to stop and play your part;
Never be sorry to sing and play your song;
Never be scared to ask others to sing along;
Never apologise for your art!!
© Lara Rose 2016
LARA ROSE 