Montclair State University Galleries Presents Novel “The Age of Black Metal” by Afrotectopia

This fall, enter  “The Age of Black Metal,” a groundbreaking exhibition at Montclair State University Galleries that imagines centuries into the future to explore the cultural, spiritual and societal possibilities of “Black Metal.” Curated by Afrotectopia founder Ari Melenciano, the exhibition will be on view from from September 23 through December 14, 2025, across the George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater display cases.

Rooted in the visionary art book “Black Metal”—co-authored by Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal and Kordae Jatafa Henry—this exhibition expands the text’s radical ideas into immersive, participatory installations. The book, developed in collaboration with MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, and supported by the Ford Foundation, introduced “Black Metal” as both speculative future and spiritual pedagogy.

About the Exhibition

“The Age of Black Metal” transports audiences into a far-future world where the principles of “Black Metal” have reshaped society. Visitors will encounter interactive installations, speculative artifacts and artistic works that reinterpret the book’s four chapters:

• “Celestial Florilegia” by Ari Melenciano introduces a cosmic ritual practice, revealing botanical consciousness and quantum intuition.
• “Companion 180, Vol. 1” by Jeremy Kamal offers a shamanic guide linking voyager, spacesuit, body and spirit.
• “Dark Voyage” by Kordae Jatafa Henry presents cinematic portraits of interstellar life through graphic storytelling.
• “Training Grounds” by Jordan Caldwell provides metaphysical exercises for shedding, integrating  and grounding the self.

In addition to immersive installations, the exhibition features The Orbit—a dynamic installation of contemporary works and speculative artifacts by artists influenced by “Black Metal.” Visitors will be invited to craft personal koans, engage in metaphysical exercises and reflect on the expansive futures Black culture can imagine when free of limits.

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 23, 5–7 p.m., George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater Lobby. Remarks at 6 p.m. by Dean Gurskis and Ari Melenciano.

Art Forum: Monday, September 22, 5:20 p.m., George Segal Gallery. Ari Melenciano will discuss the vision behind “The Age of Black Metal.”

Panel Discussion: Wednesday, October 15, 12 p.m., Segal Gallery. This interdisciplinary panel explores ideas of collective liberation through the context of “Black Metal.”

“Black Metal” Film Screening and Discussion: Wednesday, November 5, 12 p.m., George Segal Gallery. A special screening of the film adaptation of “Black Metal,” followed by a conversation with Ari Melenciano.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Kasser Theater Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 – 6 p.m.

Additional Saturday hours and appointments available.

The Galleries’ free Bloomberg Connects digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators, available on site or remotely.

About Montclair State University Galleries

Montclair State University Galleries fosters dialogue, curiosity, and shared understanding through art. Presenting diverse and inclusive exhibitions, the Galleries connect the University with local and global communities. Learn more at montclair.edu/galleries.

Follow @montclairstategalleries and use #MontclairStateGalleries to join the conversation.

Exhibition Support and Contact

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the McMullen Family Foundation, the Dolph Gallery and Museum Studies Fund, Montclair’s College of the Arts and generous private contributions.

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382