Arthur Jafa

Arthur Jafa is an American artist, filmmaker, and cinematographer who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1960. He is known for his powerful and innovative work in a variety of mediums, including film, video, installation, and sculpture.

Jafa studied architecture at Howard University before moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s, where he became involved in the music industry as a producer and cinematographer. He worked on music videos for several notable artists, including Spike Lee, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.

Jafa's artwork often explores themes of black identity, history, and culture. He is particularly interested in how blackness is represented in media and popular culture, and his work often challenges and subverts these representations.

One of Jafa's most well-known works is his 2016 video installation "Love Is the Message, The Message Is Death," which features a montage of found footage that explores the complex experiences of black Americans. The work has been widely acclaimed and has been exhibited at major museums and galleries around the world.

Jafa's other notable works include his collaborations with artist Kara Walker on her 2014 installation "A Subtlety," and with musician and artist Kanye West on his 2013 music video for the song "New Slaves."

Jafa has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Golden Lion for Best Artist at the 2019 Venice Biennale, and the 2020 United States Artists Fellowship in Visual Art. He continues to be an influential and highly regarded figure in the contemporary art world, and his work continues to challenge and inspire audiences around the globe.