MULTIMEDIA
CINEMATIC
EXPERIENCE

Buy Tickets

FEATURING DESIGNS BY VINCE FRASER

& POETRY BY URSULA RUCKER

About the Exhibition

Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies

Bold, beautiful, powerful; step into this vibrant Afrosurrealist exhibition, featuring the work of London-based Afro-surrealist digital artist Vince Fraser along with poetry by ursula rucker.

The spirit of aṣẹ — a powerful affirmation and philosophical belief held by the Yoruba people of West Africa, meaning “so will it be” — reverberates throughout this vibrant and meditative exhibition. Everyone should experience this immersive story of resilience, cultural celebration, and the possibility of the future.

“This exhibit serves not only as art but as a call to action in many ways — to collaborate, to uplift one another, to learn and to progress.”Essence

Alongside the Immersion Gallery, you can explore other multi-sensory and interactive experiences — like virtually “trying on” African masks — combining film, technology, Afrosurrealism and poetry.

“The elements in Aṣẹ portray the boundaries and the limitations that we experience as people of color in daily life, but at the same time, I’m also focusing on paying homage to our ancestors. In conceptualizing the exhibition with ARTECHOUSE Studio, I wanted to capture the balanced elements of sight and sound so that visitors could truly experience the power of African culture,” said Vince Fraser.

The exhibition’s visuals are echoed by pulsating rhythmic drums and stirring performance from Philadelphia-based poet and musician ursula rucker. A Leeway Foundation’s Transformation Award winner, rucker’s words of empowerment, ancestry, and social justice powerfully narrate the exhibition.

The immersive multi-sensory show is the latest in the ARTECHOUSE series of collaborations with some of the leading digital and performance artists.

About the artist

Vince Fraser

“Vision is the art of seeing what is impossible to others.”

Bridging the gap between fantasy and reality, Afro-surrealist Vince Fraser’s mission is to inspire and empower positive, powerful imagery of the African diaspora.

Fraser regards himself as a new breed of artist in the digital age—combining elements of film and motion with his keen eye for detail and playful visual experimentation.

Over twenty years as a digital illustrator, Fraser has collaborated with a variety of institutions including Nike, Toyota, MTV, and more.

Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies is a continuation of ARTECHOUSE’s collaboration with Fraser following the XR app experience “We Rise Above” launched in August 2020.

In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the anniversary of the March on Washington, Fraser’s art was brought to life in extended reality so that anyone, anywhere could activate and engage with his art and activism.

 

About the artist

ursula rucker

ursula rucker is an interdisciplinary poet, performer, and recording artist whose work reflects on personal history, family, and place. She characterizes her work as situated “along the edge of the terrains of poetry.” rucker has released five albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists outside of the field of poetry, including The Roots, musicians and Pew Fellows Jamaaladeen Tacuma and King Britt, and, most recently, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Clarence Williams III. She has toured with her live performance memoir, My Father’s Daughter, which she describes as “90 minutes of self-truth and discovery.”

In 2017, she collaborated with Nigerian sound and installation artist Emeka Ogboh to create Logan Squared: Ode to Philly, which featured an epic poem by rucker that reflected Philadelphians’ voices and visions for the city. The work was presented as part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Center-supported, citywide Monument Lab exhibition. A Philly 360 Creative Ambassador and recipient of Leeway Foundation’s Transformation Award, rucker is the subject of the 2008 documentary ursula rucker: Poet, directed by Michael J. Dennis.

About the artist

ARTECHOUSE Studio

ARTECHOUSE Studio is an interdisciplinary team of designers, architects, producers, and storytellers working together to turn ideas and concepts into cutting-edge, technology-driven experiences.

 

ARTECHOUSE Studio has worked on projects with industry leaders such as NASA, the Society for Neuroscience, Pantone Color Institute, Nobel Prize Museum, and others, bringing its expertise to realize complex and multifaceted presentations.

Artechouse NYC

ARTECHOUSE is the nation’s first innovative art organization dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology. As a pioneer in the field of experiential art, it creates, produces and presents innovative technology driven exhibitions, expanding the possibilities of art and how we experience it. From immersive art spaces to an extended reality (XR) mobile app, ARTECHOUSE is where curiosity-seekers of all ages go to experience creative innovation without limits. Founded in 2015, ARTECHOUSE has become the premier destination, both online and offline, for genre-pushing, technology-driven art.

Utilizing the largest seamless megapixel count projections of any cultural institution and integrating Hyperreal Sound technology, ARTECHOUSE NYC offers visitors and artists alike the most technologically advanced art platform in the world. Taking over a 100-year-old boiler room space beneath the iconic Chelsea Market, ARTECHOUSE NYC is one of the most unique art destinations and things to do in New York City.

Get Directions

"Amazing! Must see. Artechouse is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The perfect fusion between technology and art."

Ayanah G.

"Truly an experience that changes your perception of what art can be. It transcends the typical idea of a medium and puts you into each piece and lets you become part of it."

Dag Y.

"Amazing installation, fun for families and a great interactive exhibit for young and old."

Sherry T.

"Looking for a cool and modern art exhibit? This is the place to be!"

Daniel C.

"Artechouse is pretty much my favorite place in the DMV area. Just being immersed in such technological genius and is an incredibly amazing experience."

Rhainie F.

"This is a one-of-a-kind, experiential destination filled with discovery, wonder, and sensory activation. This magical space brings art and technology together, where a curious adult can feel like they’ve stumbled upon a Willy Wonka-esque curation of art that will make you feel like a kid again."

Tara L.

"Such a cool place to come to if you are interested in art and the new digital age of technology. The interactive exhibits are incredible."

Armani Y.

"I was blown away by the experience of live art that surrounded me from every corner, wall and even the floor! The projections were incredible, mind-blowing, dazzling even."

Anna B.

"Mesmerizing! My whole family including a 3- and 5-year-old remained fully captivated for over an hour."

Florence C.

"Seeing and interacting with these exhibits made us feel like kids; learning and exploring and laughing with wonder."

Erin M.

"This place is way more than pictures and video can illustrate."

Kelsi M.

"It’s an escape from reality and into a world of dreams."

Diana F.

"To simply put it we were blown away, it’s a very different experience that combines art and technology and it is just so beautiful…you feel like you are stepping into the future. I definitely recommend visiting."

Julia V.

"Without a doubt, one of the coolest places I’ve been this year."

Lorin F.

"Highly highly recommend ARTECHOUSE in DC. Incredible exhibit combining art and technology. Very safe and very distanced with timed tickets."

Jessica G.
NEWSLETTER

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER FOR THE LATEST ON PROGRAMMING, OFFERS AND MORE