MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule is a curated collection of art made by Black creatives worldwide during the 2020 pandemic. Exploring art by photographers, painters, illustrators, and other creatives, this debut coffee table art book freezes a moment in time when Black people were globally shaken to their cores. This project allows Black people to define themselves in order to paint a full spectrum of the Black experience during civil unrest, health crises, and beacons of hope for the future.
We spoke to Nakia Booker, the woman behind The Black Artisim Capsule, about Black History Month, and the future of Black creatives.
Nakia Booker is a cultural advocate that believes art can be an outlet completely bound by time or space. She was introduced to art by her grandfather who worked part-time as a multimedia artist.
“If we want to go far, we will have to go together”
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For one month of the year, we focus on the contributions of African Americans. It is an opportunity to reflect on both the contributions and challenges of our culture, which should be every month of the year.
Tell us about the vision of MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule. What was your ‘why’ in creating this project?
The vision of MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule was curated during a time of civil unrest – during the 2020 worldwide pandemic. It was during this time I took to social media and some of my followers because it was something special about their art that drew me to their work.
Do you think the art world, and society at large, is doing enough to highlight the successes, ideas, creations, experiences, and histories of Black people? Where do we go from here? What does the future look like to you?
I think the art world and society are starting to do better to highlight the successes, ideas, creations, experiences, and histories of Black people because we are demanding it now. I think we are going to create our own Wakanda and rebuild back Black Wall Street communities moving forward.
Why is it important for Black people to work together for a holistic liberation? How do we light the way for more love, unity, awareness, and peace?
I think it is important because if we want to go far, we will have to go together in order to remain liberated. We light the way by building community and combining resources. Once we do that the love, unity, awareness, and peace will come naturally.
Check out MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule on Instagram or the Black Artivism website.
