Everyday Afrofuturism, is a new sculptural installation created by artist and creative visionary Born Shamir Walters. Installed on BOOM Concepts’ Green Lots at the corner of North Winebiddle Street and Kincaid Street in the Garfield neighborhood, this project marks the inaugural activation of the site as a dedicated space for temporary public art. The collaborative support for Born Shamir is a continuation of the two leading organizations’ investment in neighbors and the community. BOOM Concepts offered additional support for the artist to expand their fabrication skills at Protohaven during the concept and design phases as part of their AP3 Temporary Public Art Initiative.
Everyday Afrofuturism by Born Shamir celebrates Black Futurist thought through an immersive, kinetic sculpture that brings together icons and influences spanning past, present, and future. Designed to invite participation, the work encourages visitors of all ages to learn, play, and explore—transforming an everyday neighborhood space into a site of imagination and discovery.
“It’s about honoring our ancestors and trailblazers in Afrofuturism to inspire youth—reimagining public space through a Black speculative lens, where education and play coexist, and where we begin to build the futures we’ve long envisioned…” says Shamir.
Rooted in Afrofuturist aesthetics, the installation celebrates Black Futurists through immersive, interactive sculptures, bringing community, creativity, and cultural history into a living, breathing public space. Growing from collaborations with Assemble’s Afrofuturism camps and workshops, Everyday Afrofuturism provides intergenerational learning experiences that engage folks through an array of senses, from touch, sight, and sound. Inspired by informational nature signage and playground architecture, the turnstiles offer a remixable triptych where folks can learn about Octavia E. Butler, Alice Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock. With this latest phase of fabrication and material exploration complete, Everyday Afrofuturism opens a portal into futures shaped by resilience, innovation, collective joy, and play—inviting the Garfield community to step inside and engage.
This project is supported by Assemble, BOOM Concepts AP3 Temporary Public Art Initiative, and a grant from the Remake Learning Network and Playful PGH’s Let’s Play! Initiative that catalyzes new opportunities for intergenerational play in communities throughout greater Pittsburgh. Special thanks to Camut LLC, who fabricated the sculpture.
For more information about the first iteration and Let’s Play PGH! Check out this site HERE
