Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers
Installation
Pittsburgh Glass Center
On View: May 3, 2024 - July 28, 2024
Created by artists Marques Redd and Mikael Owunna, co-founders of Rainbow Serpent, Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers is a captivating multimedia installation that features 16 life-size glass statues of Black queer Kemetic deities. This exhibition revives and expands the traditions of gatekeepers, an ancient African lineage of queer spirit workers, artisans, and diviners.
Redd and Owunna curated a unique dual experience in the Hodge Gallery of the Pittsburgh Glass Center: from opening until 1:00 PM, the space was fully lit, allowing visitors to explore the intricate details of each sculpture. From 1:00 PM until closing, the lights were dimmed, and the 7-channel video Blackstar Sanctuary was projected onto the walls of the gallery, which created an enchanting, immersive atmosphere with its virtual reality elements.
Photo by Ryan Haggerty
Photo by Ryan Haggerty
Photo by Ryan Haggerty
Photo by Ryan Haggerty
Photo by Ryan Haggerty
Photo by Scott Andrew
Photo by Scott Andrew
360° Video
You can watch the 360° video below to experience the exhibition.
This exhibition was made possible with support from Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh; Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass; Arts Equity & Education Fund; Carnegie Mellon University Extended Reality Technology Center; Dawn & Chris Fleischner; The Frank-Ratchye Studio for Creative Inquiry; The Heinz Endowments; National Endowment for the Arts; The Pittsburgh Foundation; and The Toledo Museum of Art.