BLACK METAL
Black Metal reframes space travel as an inward journey to explore themes of Black liberation, spirituality, and technology. Created by Afrotectopia in collaboration with artists Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal, Kordae Jatafa Henry, and Ari Melenciano, the project began as an incubator partnership with MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative and NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. This collaboration resulted in the Black Metal art book, released in October 2024 with an immersive book tour, engaging audiences in visionary narratives at the intersection of art, design, and mythology This a special limited edition (500 copies), intricately designed, kitchen table art book. Pushing the boundaries of space travel, science fiction, speculative design, Black Metal is simultaneously an archive and catalyst of future worlds. The Black Metal universe is comprised of four chapters:
Chapter 1: Celestial Florilegia by Ari Melenciano – A cosmic, geomantic practice that uses intuition and botanical life to unlock new knowledge.
Chapter 2: Companion 180, Volume 1 by Jeremy Kamal – A guide linking mind, body, and spacesuit to spiritual growth.
Chapter 3: Dark Voyage by Kordae Jatafa Henry – A cinematic exploration of Herman and Alice’s interstellar journey.
Chapter 4: Training Grounds by Jordan Caldwell – A metaphysical workbook for shedding, integrating and grounding inner spiritual work.
Specs:
208 pages
Hard cushioned cover, 8.5” x 11”
Typefaces: Art Company Mono, furniture.xyz/
PP Neue Machina @pangram.pangram
Designed by: Weshoulddoitall
Print and bound by: Small Editions
Partners: NYU ITP, MIT Media Lab
Supported by: Ford Foundation
Available for purchase at afrotectopia.org