Awol Erizku’s “Mystic Parallax” at The Momentary

June 28, 2024 3:58 pm

BENTONVILLE, Ark.— Lights are aglow at The Momentary as the exhibit “Mystic Parallax” by Awol Erizku fills the space. The content is an elegant depiction of Blackness and contemporary global culture in a variety forms.

Throughout the exhibition, Erizku showcases multi-medium works that represent a unique Afrocentric aesthetic and offer an alternative to the stereotypical Western gaze spanning over a decade.

Paired with an array of lightbox photography and flowers, “Mystic Parallax” additionally features a six-foot mirrored bust of Nefertiti casting a galaxy of shimmering light from the ceiling, a massive 75-foot collage wall of work from the artist’s career and a new installation titled “Celestial Bloom,” features a Cessna 150 airplane, suspended in the air and overflowing with silk flowers.

There are many individuals depicted throughout the exhibit, from basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant to sex workers of Ethiopia, with the work focusing on unique angles that are not typically found in portraits.

The mix of floral accents, use of light and nature allows for much interpretation to the viewer bringing in their own understanding of mystique, essence and imagination.

The pairing of the sphinx imagery with individuals that are often referred to as G.O.A.T.s (Greatest of All Time) brings a contemporary feel to the visuals offering a fresh perspective of power.

“I operate within the continuum of the Black imagination, which encompasses spirituality, hip hop, and elements from our collective legacies,” Erizku said.

He plays with these depictions through references to Atlanta trap music in the piece “Fuck Twelve” and the traces of religion found throughout the collage wall.

Outside of the exhibit, at the entrance of the museum, a Porsche 914 sits filled with an array of real flowers for the first time with the roof off. The piece is titled “Ask the Dust” and was originally created in 2016.

Unlike the floral arrangements within the interior, the flowers are ever changing with the weather and Erizku said that the piece “is going to look beautiful by the time the show is winding down.”