Egypt : ancient heritage reimagined at the Met

The exhibition « Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now » presents a fascinating journey connecting ancient Egypt to the cultural and identity struggles of Black artists over time. Since the 19th century, these artists have used the imagery and symbols of ancient Egypt to express political and cultural aspirations, from the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s to the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and continuing into the present day.

Featuring nearly 200 works from the Met’s collection and international loans, the exhibition explores several themes: how Black artists have adopted ancient Egyptian imagery to assert a collective identity, the contributions of Black intellectuals to the study of ancient Egypt, and the interactions of modern and contemporary Egyptian artists with this ancient history.

Themes and cultural impact

A significant section of the exhibition focuses on how Black artists have utilized Egyptian representations to forge a unified identity. This endeavor is reflected in artworks, sculptures, and performances, allowing artists to reclaim a historical heritage often overlooked or marginalized. One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is its spotlight on the contributions of Black scholars to the study of ancient Egypt, a field traditionally dominated by European researchers.

The selected works extend beyond artistic productions; they also resonate with broader reflections on Egypt’s role in civil rights struggles, emancipation, and the reaffirmation of Black cultural identities. The exhibition underscores the importance of ancient Egypt in building a collective memory, particularly for African American communities.

The performance pyramid: A Met premiere

One of the exhibition’s major innovations is the integration of performance as a central element of the presentation. The « Performance Pyramid » gallery, in partnership with MetLiveArts, offers a documentary history of Black performance art incorporating Egyptian themes. This project also includes live performances scheduled on specific dates throughout the exhibition. This dynamic approach adds a vibrant dimension, enabling visitors to directly experience performance art inspired by ancient Egypt.

An international collaboration

The exhibition benefits from valuable support, notably from the Gail and Parker Gilbert Fund, the Jane and Robert Carroll Fund, the Ford Foundation, and the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. Additionally, organizations like the Mellon Foundation and Denise Littlefield Sobel have enabled the publication of a catalog, providing deeper insights into the themes addressed in the exhibition.

The Performance Pyramid initiative also receives specific support from patrons such as Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky, as well as the Adrienne Arsht Fund for Resilience through Art. These contributions help foster an environment of exchange and reflection while honoring the richness of Black culture and its connection to ancient Egypt.

An artistic and historical reflection

The « Flight into Egypt » exhibition at the Met offers a profound reflection on how ancient Egypt has shaped the cultural identities of Black artists over time. It highlights the importance of this heritage in the context of social, political, and cultural struggles. Through a multisensory approach and the integration of live performance, this unique exhibition invites visitors on a journey into the past while remaining firmly focused on the future of African American art and culture.

Learn more : Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now