ALHAMDU | MUSLIM FUTURISM is an evolving experiential art exhibition created by MIPSTERZ exploring Muslim Futurism—a cultural and artistic approach that imagines a broader Muslim future free from the oppression of today and set in a utopic tomorrow of our collective creation. Muslim Futurism learns from Afrofuturism as defined by Ingrid LaFleur as an "intersectional, multi-temporal, and inter-disciplinary approach to the future." It, in part, also represents an expansion of Malcolm X's description of Black Muslim futurism that centers on a self-sufficient community on the path of collective liberation based on Islamic principles of justice. Finally, the ongoing Palestinian liberation movement—much like other indigenous survival struggles—creates a framework for Muslim Futurism wherein joy, thriving, and flourishing are bold acts of resistance against oppression. Thus, "Muslim Futurism”—as we at MIPSTERZ came to define it—reflects the five core themes of identity, community, resistance, liberation, and imagination.

In the contemporary exhibition landscape, there are few opportunities for Muslims to authentically represent their creative imaginations, craft narratives contextualizing their artistic vision, and curate exhibitions around self-chosen themes. ALHAMDU | MUSLIM FUTURISM, on the other hand, is an exhibition comprised of artwork from dozens of Muslim and Muslim-adjacent artists and curated through a collaborative process consisting exclusively of Muslim voices. ALHAMDU visually and interactively envisions a future where our dignity, flourishing, and imaginations as Muslims are actualized. We dream of worlds and communities where we exist boldly, proudly, and unapologetically. May the process of boldly asserting our existence disrupt the hegemonic powers of today and serve as a portal to another planet where our joy is championed, our spirits are revitalized, and our commitments to flourishing and justice are re-energized.

on view at PS1 Close House: July 1 - August 17, 2024

open hours: Mon 11a-1p, Tues 6-8p, Thurs 5-8p, Fri 11a-1p, Sat 11a-3p

Featured artists:

SAKS AFRIDI
SARA ALFAGEEH
NABI H. ALI
AHAD MAHMOOD
MOUNIR FATMI
HISHAM BHAROOCHA
SAMIRA IDROOS
EHSAAN MESGHALI
ZULFIKAR ALI BHUTTO
SARAH-MECCA ABDOURAHMAN
ANUM AWAN
YUSSEF COLE and SANIYA AHMED
ABDULLAH QURESHI
MÉLIKA HASHEMI
YASMEEN ABEDIFARD
AMINE NAIMA
MATTHEW BROOKS
JOY AMINA GARNETT
ROYA AHMADI
SAFWAT SALEEM
DRISS CHAOUI
SANYA DOSANI
AISHA JEMILA
SOLARPUNK SURF CLUB
RAKAN DIARBAKERLI
DILARA MILLER
TIJAY MUHAMMAD
B.N. BLITHE DE CARONA
YASMINE HASSAN
VICTORIA HENNINGS
MIMI DAOUD
ARTIVISTS OF IOWA Featuring EBISU and Gabriel Castro
MIPSTERZ

Presented with support from: