The Met Explores the Intersection of Black Excellence and Ancient Egypt in Groundbreaking Exhibition
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) is presenting a transformative new exhibition, Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now, which delves into the profound impact of Ancient Egypt on Black artists over the past 150 years. This ambitious showcase features a blend of works from the Met’s own collection and internationally loaned pieces, creating a conversation across eras—from the 19th century and the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary art and culture.
Ancient Egypt, more than any other ancient civilization, has captivated pop culture with its enduring lore, from the mysteries surrounding the Great Pyramid of Giza to the legacies of Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Ethiopian-American artist Awol Erizku takes inspiration from Nefertiti, using a mirrored disco ball bust of the iconic queen to challenge Eurocentric narratives and highlight themes of reclamation and post-colonial critique. “It’s about a deeper lineage than what we’re taught in school,” Erizku told Hypebeast Magazine. Reflecting on a visit to Egypt, he expressed shock that the famed Nefertiti bust resides in a Berlin museum, exclaiming, “What the f*ck is she doing in Berlin!?”
The exhibition weaves together the works of African-American and Egyptian artists, including Imman Issa, Ghada Amer, Aaron Douglas, Laura Wheeler Waring, and cultural icons such as Lauren Halsey, Rashid Johnson, Beyoncé, and Alice Coltrane. Performance art plays a central role, with Flight into Egypt incorporating live events curated by Akili Tommasino and McClain Groff in collaboration with MetLiveArts. Through the “Performance Pyramid,” the show chronicles the history of Black performance art tied to Egyptian themes and features live performances on select dates during its run.
Spanning over 200 works, this exhibition offers a rich exploration of cultural connection and artistic innovation. Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now is on view at the Met in New York through February 17, 2025.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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