Arthur Jafa

Arthur Jafa, an acclaimed American artist and filmmaker, dives deep into the complexities of Black aesthetics in a captivating discussion. He shares his childhood longing for cowboy boots and reflects on how personal style impacts identity. Jafa explores the boundaries of culture through mixing and transposition, while examining the interplay of beauty and horror in art. He questions the disparity between the world's love for Black music and the acceptance of Black people, offering profound insights into the essence of Black creativity and representation.

Arthur Jafa, a celebrated filmmaker and installation artist, dives into the artistic influences that shaped his work, from James Brown's electrifying performances to the comic artistry of Jack Kirby. He shares how his experiences, including witnessing Mahalia Jackson's powerful singing, have informed his exploration of Black identity and systemic inequities. Jafa also discusses his creative process, inspiration from legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the profound question: what is art for?