The AfroSituationist Manifesto. 

We desire to bring our fragmented selves into unified form intended to act upon the environment with surrealistic ambitions capable of bringing useful perspectives to our current situation. Our aesthetic has been determined via a combination of intentional meandering,  accidental discovery and purposeful augmentation. Our determination toward a kind of sustainable sanity may appear at times stylized and methodical and perhaps even retro-istically sensational and nostalgically inspired. 

Make no mistake. Our thematic investigations of a given social apparatus or condition implies neither simplistic longing for past iconography or an avoidance of sentimental reverence. Deconstruction for the purposes of active rebellion or for the accommodation of egotistical tendencies is not our intent. Renderings and representations evoking emotional attachment to subjects, places, and events are utilized with both harmony and juxtaposition to inspire examination and contemplation with an ultimate appreciation for complexity in feeling and in action.

We acknowledge that both intentional and unintentionally performative displays of selfhood result in a variety of outcomes and contradictory consequences to include among others, invisibility, irrelevance, irreverence, reverence, rejection, confusion, awe, celebration, judgment, and acceptance. Manifestations and outcomes arise within the context of personal interests and the desire to leave an imprint intended to serve our own curiosity. Realizing the improbability of inducing doubt within chosen realities supported by implacable narratives, we offer our disposition for examination by those who share in our curiosity. 

If you find yourself asking why and how we came to be here. If you find yourself asking how we move forward. If you find yourself daring to disturb the peaceful sleep of preconceived notions. If you’ve found yourself wary of an inscrutable tomorrow. If your yesterdays have been turned upside down. If you’ve found your canary laying flat on its back past its last gasp of air and the dimming light ahead threatens to fade, breathe in deeply and take comfort in the fact that all situations change. 

We, the AfroSituationists, are determined to find our footing, slip past the phantoms of apathy and guide ourselves away from the pimps of darkness. While our actions may at times seem random, vain, or even circular, we take them with the goal of gaining traction toward a higher ground.

A stone sculpture resembling a bird with a rounded body, two eye holes, and a beak, surrounded by fallen leaves.

All that to say this: Occasionally photographer Steven Cummings and I hang out. We get into adventures. We come up with ideas. We talk art. We talk culture. We talk politics. We hit the road and go on trips. We never know exactly where they’ll take us but we’re always game to find out.

Whatever it takes. Find your running buddy. Have a friend doesn’t need you to wear a mask. Talk. Share. Build things. Have fun.

We thought we’d come up with a framework for what we do and how our time is spent. That’s how the Afrosituationists were born. I’ll share some of what we get into. I hope you’re inspired.

Is it artsy-fartsy? Probably. Is it cool? Definitely. Is it worth doing? Absolutely. What will we discover? Who the hell knows.

A person wearing a plaid cap using binoculars outdoors in a wooded area.

It’s always beneficial to spend time with someone who sees the world a little different than you.

Whenever that happens, listen. If there’s value, stop talking and listen more.