Afrofuturism media that weld science-fiction with Black history and culture have been more popular than ever.This can be seen by the success of films and TV shows such as Black Panther and Lovecraft Country in recent years. London based artist, Pierre Santos, is taking part in this movement by creating Afrofuturist busts. In his sculptures, Black people are enlightened deities with three eyes, extraterrestrial beings with unidentified powers and even immortals who wield the world’s elements.
Santos’ creations are inspired by everything from the diversity of African spiritualism, to his fascination with voodoo and his need for afrocentricity— a scholarly approach that centres African history, culture and descendants to understand their current way of life. In a world where Black people are often marginalized and have their experiences shunned, Santos’ Afrofuturism works continues the movement’s key message of providing Black people with hopeful, advanced and encouraging representations. This is why the Afrofuturism busts by Pierre Santos are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.
Santos has also been especially intrigued by the philosophy of the third eye causing him to frequently use it in his busts. The symbol, often called gyana na kashu, represents enlightenment in Hindu and Buddhist teachings. One of the most famous depictions of the gyana na kashu appears in Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destroyer and restorer. Shiva’s three eyes are often considered to represent: the sun, the moon and wisdom. Hindu teachings believe that he uses his three eyes to see beyond the apparent and protect good people from evildoers. When Santos puts the third eye on his characters, he is evoking the enlightenment of the Black people, embodying his hopes for a future where all Black people will be protected from systemic oppression.
Pierre Santos’ Afrofuturist busts embody a vision of empowerment and resilience for Black communities. By drawing from African spiritualism, afrocentricity and the symbolism of enlightenment, Santos’ work creates a future where Black people are represented as powerful deities, visionaries and protectors. This reimagining serves as both an artistic statement and a hopeful narrative that counters the often-marginalizing portrayals of Black people, advocating for a future of dignity and strength. Santos’ Afrofuturism sculptures aspire for a future where all Black people can rise above oppression and embrace their inherent power and potential.
Find out more about Afrofuturism busts and other pieces by Pierre Santos on their website www.pierresantos.bigcartel.com or Instagram @theindigo_kid.