Artist Tyanna J. Buie’s exhibition “Revisionist History” in Chicago is a unique exploration of the intersection of AI and Afrofuturism. Buie’s work delves into the humorous and unserious nature of her family legacy through an AI interpretation that reimagines her ancestry free from the impacts of colonialism. By merging 17th- and 18th-century Dutch royals with her family members’ portraits, Buie creates a narrative that embraces the future of technology and its role in art.
With fragmented pieces of her family history, Buie uses AI to construct a legacy of power and heroism, weaving a story of visionary leaders from the African kingdom of Nyala to their involvement in the Great Migration from Mississippi to Chicago and Milwaukee. The exhibition features large-scale print sculptures of these heroes, highlighting their names, personal artifacts, and homes, offering viewers a glimpse into this reconstructed history.
During a conversation with artist Shonna Pryor, Buie discusses how her midwest upbringing in Chicago and Milwaukee, as well as her time in Detroit, have influenced her practice and appreciation for Afrofuturism. While “Revisionist History” marks a departure from Buie’s previous socially engaged work, it maintains her dedication to using art to shape a dream history, reality, and future for herself.
The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the narrative constructed by Buie and AI, empowering them to create their own interpretations and meanings. Buie’s work is infused with humor and invites reflection on the possibilities that technology and art hold for exploring identity and heritage.
“Revisionist History” is on display at cam.contemporarie through October 5th, with sound activation on October 4th. Buie’s exhibition challenges traditional storytelling and offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of art, technology, and cultural heritage, inviting viewers to rethink their understanding of history and legacy.
