Marcus Kiser Imagination Fund Application — The Last Black Starfighter

Artist statement

I am developing an Afro-futuristic multimedia art exhibit titled The Last Black Starfighter. This project will incorporate animation, illustration, and graphic design to explore stories of gentrified and forgotten spaces. While the narrative is fictional, it will draw on historical references to connect audiences with underserved communities. The exhibit is part of a larger series called Intergalactic Soul and aims to examine the effects of colonization and gentrification on marginalized groups. Through 2D animation within the Afro-futurism genre, the project will highlight historical and contemporary colonization and gentrification experiences, particularly within Black communities. It seeks to spark reflection and dialogue around these critical issues through art, design, and visual storytelling. I want to heal through the lens of visual art and sci-fi, through a new skill of using animation, I would like to extend this project further.