OI Podcast Episode 16Afrofuturism: Ancient Egypt in Speculative FictionYtasha Womack

Time as a web, weaved in storytelling to offer a remix of narratives exploring who we are and how we got here. Author Ytasha Womack, "Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture," joins us for a discussion that examines the Black Speculative Arts Movement in general and the roles that ancient Egyptian culture and religion play in her upcoming graphic novel, "Blak Kube."

To explore this topic, look for "Afrofuturism" by Ytasha Womack, Lawrence Hill Books, 2013. Available everywhere books are sold. The graphic novel "Blak Kube" is coming soon!

This podcast continues our Contemporary Artist/Ancient Voices series, a set of conversations with artists who draw inspiration from the ancient Middle East. These conversations focus on individual artists interpretations of the ancient world, and are not intended to provide historical accuracy.

A video version of this discussion with images can be viewed on the Oriental Institute YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bPBnrU8mUnI

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Please excuse the audio and video quality, this was recorded at home during the pandemic.

2021, Oriental Institute

Image credits and original art:Tim Fielder, InfinitumJohn JenningsAlbum covers:The ArchAndroid, Janelle Monáe, Wonderland Arts Society, Atlantic, Bad Boy, 2013Raise!, Earth Wind and Fire, ARC, Columbia, 1981Next Lifetime, Erykah Badu, Kedar Records, 1997

Music: Andrew ListIntro Music: bensound.com