The MAC presents a striking artwork-event by artist and filmmaker Arthur Jafa, Love Is the Message, the Message Is Death, 2016, a rapid-fire montage of images from a mesmerizing range of sources set. The work grew out of the recognition of the widespread circulation of images of the abuse of black bodies on YouTube. At once a celebration of black creativity and excellence, and a depiction of the violence of the state, this immersive projection presents powerful and devastating manifestations of physical restraint and liberation.
The visuals developed play with positive and negative space as an interpretation of both the beauty and madness of the topics addressed in the artwork. The bold typography is also a reminder of manifestation, since the character design was inspired by protest signs.