Sci-Fi

"The Future of Disruption" at the Kitchen, through August 1

One downside of the summer group show is that, while the press release often boasts a juicy theme and a titillating title, the exhibition rarely delivers on those promises. "The Future of Disruption" is an exception. Not only are the artworks all great, but they all fully support the premise, which, after all, is relatively simple: artists who incorporate science-fiction tropes to comment on an uncertain future. There’s even a nice subtext, to boot — racial politics as envisioned many years hence. One standout work is Simone Leigh’s video featuring the intriguing “Star Trek” character Uhura, who, I never realized before seeing this piece, was essentially the Starship’s secretary, a role that is offensive on so many levels.

At left: Still from Simone Leigh, "Back and Forth (Uhura)" (2008)

Courtesy of the artist