At the Met, Black Artists Salute an Enduring Affinity With Egypt

An exhibition titled 'Flight Into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876 — Now' is opening at a major museum, showcasing a unique cultural phenomenon: the enduring connection between Black artists and ancient Egyptian culture. The exhibition features around 200 artworks reflecting on historical and modern interpretations of Egyptian iconography across generations. 

Themes explored include the colonial roots of modern Egyptology, the motifs of the Harlem Renaissance, and the Egyptian imagery of the 1960s and '70s. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including artists and public figures, have engaged with Egyptian themes, using them as a creative catalyst. 

The exhibition does not delve into archaeological perspectives but focuses on how ancient Egyptian history and aesthetics have inspired Black art and thought. It examines how culture has complicated the narrative of Egypt as both a Black and a historically multiethnic civilization. The exhibition features diverse forms of art, such as sculpture, painting, and performance. 

Through this blend of art and exploration of identity, 'Flight Into Egypt' invites visitors to reflect on the fluidity and reinterpretation of history.