This series of artwork, by Malik M. Lloyd is being created to project a futuristic view about the science of melanin. In the artwork, the narrative is that on December 7, 2037, newspapers throughout the U.S. will headline that scientists have discovered that melanin within the black body has the capacity to heal, beautify, relieve stress and extend life within others - not exactly the traditional type of black art to denote or provide commentary on racism and the ills of slavery, but influenced by propaganda that has been used since the inception of racism to advance it.
Within the last few years an increasing amount of information about the values and benefits of melanin are being addressed within the black community. The dictionary definition of melanin pretty much trivialize it to only the darkening of skin, hair, etc., but on a surface level, both black and white would generally agree that those that have it possess a heightened sense of rhythm, athleticism, soul and spirituality. Most also recognize that those with heavier doses of melanin appear to age better and have healthier looking skin. On a deeper level melanin is associated with the Pineal Gland, what is commonly referred to as the, Third Eye. In Ancient Egypt/Africa the Third Eye is represented by the Eye of Horus/Heru, which represents higher levels of consciousness and infinite intelligence. During research for this project it was discovered/reported that slavers suffering from gout, arthritis and rheumatism, would rest their bare feet on the bodies of black children as a form of medical relief – yes, according to research melanin was actually used as a medical cure during slavery… and most are familiar with the story of Henrietta Lacks. Today, scientists are creating a fabrication of melanin for pharmaceutical and cosmetic usage. These stories about the healing properties within melanin as well as making effort to restore the severed connection between African-Americans to Ancient Egypt/Africa are the impetus of his artwork.
Although many of the “Headlines” presented in the artwork are provocative and sensational (in the tradition of our many news outlets), like most convincing stories they contain elements of truth. In Malik’s artwork, the futuristic S.C. Cottonfield newspaper headline reads: BLACK LIVES SAVE LIVES. The Delaware Crossing headline reads: Africa/Egypt Most Spectacular Natural Resource Is Not In Its Soil… It’s In Its People. The New Hampshire Quibble headline reads: The Distorted History of Penis Size vs Intelligence Takes on New Measures. The Utah Chronicle headline reads: The Fountain Of Youth Has Been Discovered In An Unlikely Package. And the Washington Report headline reads: The Resurrection of the Beautiful Big Black Penis.
With this artwork, the usual phrases associated with black art, such as; “a legacy of struggle, hope and oppression”, and “the horrors of slavery and a system of tyranny” would only serve as misnomers to describe it. White racism and inhumanity towards those of African descent appear to serve as an undercurrent of events that will eventually end in the tradition of modern-day cinema – with the villains being exposed and the victims recognizing his/her blackness as being the same source of strength, vision, energy, beauty and intellect that created the greatest civilization on earth.
HEADLINE NEWS: 2037
DATE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2037
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The Delaware Crossing
The New Hampshire Quibble
The Connecticut Clamor
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The Alaskan Chill
The Arkansas Hurrah
The New Mexico Axiom
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The Chicago Moon
The Idaho Treaty
The Ohio Disclosure
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The Indiana Passage
The Alabama Blue Note
The Utah Cronicle
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The Wisconsin Scoop
The New York Shines
The Colorado Cliffhanger
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Nebraska Tidings
The Hawaii Aloha/Ahola News
The S.C. Cotton Field
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The Rhode Island Breeze
Detroit Delta News
MISSISSIPPI
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The Oregon Bugle
The North Dakota Wild Rose
The Georgia Grapevine
"HOME"
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THINKKING HATS
Wear Art, Style & Substance Meet
THINKKING HATS: This series of hand-painted hats are created to recognize, recapture and invoke the magnificence and brilliance of Ancient Africa/Egypt in its bearer… internalizing that its huge contribution to civilization and attributes continue to govern and guide us in today’s society.
Since the dawn of civilization, headdress has been a part of the culture. They have denoted one’s status or station in life, religious orientations, and provide clues as to one’s occupation, educational background and our favorite sports teams… and of course ones sense of style.
In Ancient African/Egyptian society, it was common to see headdresses adorn with symbols associated with certain Gods/Netcherw. The ostrich feather, which is associated with Maat, the Goddess who represented balance, justice and truth and is represented today by the scales of justice. The Netcher/God, Heru/Horus, represented as the Eye of Heru and the falcon head is associated with the sun, the son of God and in contemporary society where the term, “Hero” derived.
THINKKING HATS were created to continue in this long and rich tradition. The name, THINKKING HATS was adopted from the often used phrase, “let’s put on our thinking caps”, made popular by grade school teachers. I have always been intrigued by the notion that by placing an imaginary cap on a child’s head that he/she could be encouraged to achieve greater focus, clarity of thought and higher levels of intellectual capacity.
In the tradition of “Thinking Caps”, I’m confident that THINKKING HATS can inspire or at least encourage the very same results in adults. If nothing more, provide bearers and viewers with clues as to where one’s head is at… but doing it with substance and style.
