Awol Erizku Explores Malcolm X’s Legacy at CAAM Solo Exhibition

Summary

• Awol Erizku pays homage to Malcolm X through new and recent works
• Themes include faith, identity and transformation
• On view at CAAM through September 7, organized with SCAD Museum of Art

Awol Erizku’s fresh exhibit at the California African American Museum (CAAM) delves intimately into the life and significance of Malcolm X. Entitled “Awol Erizku: X“, this show shuns a straightforward interpretation of Malcolm’s legacy. Instead, it constructs a multidimensional portrait by combining film, photography, sculpture, music, and historical documents.

For Erizku, Malcolm X isn’t merely a historical icon. Instead, he serves as a means to delve deeper into broader concepts such as faith, self-perception, metamorphosis, and the connections between Africa and the U.S. The artist employs his unique artistic vocabulary, which he terms “Afro-esotericism,” in this work. Through his prolonged examination, African mythology intertwines with contemporary culture and spiritual motifs, creating a compelling blend.

Originally displayed at the SCAD Museum of Art in Georgia, this show now features additional works at CAAM, including Erizku’s captivating black Nefertiti disco ball. This piece, along with others, carries multiple layers of symbolism and encourages viewers to reconsider the representation of Black history and identity within art.

The exhibition titled “Awol Erizku: X” showcases Malcolm X as a timeless cultural icon, and it can be seen at CAAM until September 7th. This display has been carefully assembled by Daniel S. Palmer at SCAD and Cameron Shaw at CAAM.

CAAM
600 State Drive
Exposition Park
Los Angeles, CA 90037

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2025-05-19 18:25