The Afronautic Research Lab uses performance and social practice art to bring participants into contact with archival and documentary evidence revealing the roots of anti-Blackness in and beyond Canada. The Afronauts are inspired by the stories of the Dogon people of Mali. These space travellers left earth 10,000 years ago and have returned to their home planet to save it. They invite citizen researchers into their Afronautic Research Lab, a dark reading room where primary archival materials such as 18th century Canadian newspapers containing ads posted by Canadian slave owners can be contemplated using flash lights and magnifying glasses. An audio loop provides a sonic guide to the social history in which this evidence emerges. The lab enables a reflection on how the past has shaped the present and point to the future.

In collaboration with the Surrey Art Gallery and Vancouver Public Library. Please visit https://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/28245.aspx for information on an artists’ conversation with Camille Turner, and Jerôme Havre on Saturday, February 16.

*Please note that Wayde Compton is no longer participating in this event.