Kelis the Afronaut

Champlain Elementary
2020
The artwork is evocative of the afrofuturism movement, recently recognized in the themes and stylings of the movie Black Panther. The term was coined in the early 1990s to describe literature, art, music and fashion style that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Music artist Janelle Monae, the movie Blade Runner, the Dark Matter anthologies by Sheree Thomas and even the 60s/70s funk band Parliament Funkadelic, have all been linked to the movement. This mural was originally intended for a location in the parking lot of Conant Metal and Light, but the owner of the wall did not like the proposal. Ultimately, the concept became a project for the artists and students at Champlain Elementary.