.:: JABARI HALL-SMITH : The Soulsuite: An Online Media. Arts & Studio Collective::.

LOS ANGELES, CA - An experimental animator, filmmaker, photographer, and musician, Jabari Hall-Smith, is an aspiring artist traversing new creative terrain. For Jabari, art is a privilege and a necessity, his art is his main focus and it is a vehicle for him to express an array of ideas, visions and observations. He was taught the fundamentals of drawing by his grandmother at an early age. His family always encouraged and supported his efforts in the arts. For him, Art is not only an outlet for personal expression but an opportunity to protect, preserve, and uplift the culture and community that nurtured his development. After graduating from Howard University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in December 2001, Jabari sought to further his education by attending the California Institute of the Arts in the fall of 2002.

He is currently earning his master's degree in experimental animation and integrated media. Jabari plans to finish his first short animated film about the African folk hero Stagger Lee in the summer of 2003. Jabari is also currently working on a live action film about the story and divination of the Orisha Oya. Jabari also works with non-narrative forms and settings, many of these works are presented as interactive installations or still compositions.

NEWS

Jabari has a piece, "Lil' Big Head," in a group show @ The Soap Factory in Minneapolis, MN.
The theme of the show is “Afrofuturism.” Afrofuturism is basically how black people see/hear themselves in the future.

Lil’ Big Hed also known “The Return of Afrifa Makuffo Jackson”, 5:00 mins.

Starring Howard G. Brown
Make-up design by Ogechi Chieke
Directed by Jabari Hall-Smith

Lil' Big Head by Jabari Hall-Smith, Afrofuturism
Screenshots from Lil’ Big Hed

Description: The black space of Uzamai and all it’s worlds are controlled by systems of African thought. Afrifa Makuffo Jackson, was once ruler of the Uzamai (Universe); Afrifa has returned to Uzamai (his former capital) to wreck havoc on his enemies. Once again, oppressed by Afrifa’s hatred, the rebels of Makuffo will have to become powerful enough to cede Afrifa from his path of vengeance. *Afrofuturism Show Opening Reception is on Saturday, September 10, 7 - 10 pm @ The Soap Factory. The show runs from September 10 – October 23, www.soapfactory.org. Another talented artist, Ogechi Cheike, also has a piece in this show. Please check out her site at www.ogechi.com.

Enjoy some celebratory goodies:

Afrofuturism flyer (PDF)

My Afrofuturistic song of the week: Chuck Higgins & The Wild Bunch – Eternity

My Afrofuturistic Wallpaper (BMP)