The cultural shift in institutions continues as “Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now” headlines at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This new exhibit, which opened Nov. 17 at the Fifth Avenue Gallery 899, aims to continue attracting diverse audiences, especially African Americans and the rest of the global African presence.
“Flight into Egypt” is an artistic, scholarly, and scientific engagement of modern Black artists and cultural figures with the art and culture of ancient Egypt, and serves to challenge racist, Eurocentric perspectives prevalent in society. Met curator Akili Tommasino included specific objects — including pyramids, the ankh, Cleopatra’s chair, Black magazines, music, and more — directly influenced by the African diaspora and Black communities.
At a press media preview a few days before the public opening of the exhibition, Tommasino said he felt “blessed and highly favored.”
Object “Grey Area (Brown version)” by Fred Wilson Credit: (Brenika Banks photos) 
A wall displaying “Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine Red Fez” (top), “The Ankh of Love” by Baaba Heru Ankh Ra Semahj Se Ptah (right), and “Daughters of Isis Gloves” (bottom). Flight Exhibit 5 — Met Curator Akili Tommasino with exhibit attendees between both “Untitled” pieces by Lauren Halsey Credit: (Brenika Banks photos) 
Photographing the exhibition in front of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Kings of Egypt II.=” Credit: (Brenika Banks photos) 
A shot of “He Who Floods the Nile” by Karon Davis (left) and “Suntrust” by Shani Crowe (right) at Met’s press preview Credit: (Brenika Banks photos) 
Met Curator Akili Tommasino speaking to photographer and content creator Delilah Williams about love notes from Maren Hassinger’s “Love (Pyramid)” Credit: (Brenika Banks photos) 
AmNews journalist Brenika Banks interviewing Met Curator Akili Tommasino during the press preview of “Flight into Egypt” Credit: (Brenika Banks photos)
“It’s been wonderful to hear how people similarly feel personal connections with a lot of this material,” he said. “It’s especially gratifying to see the Black women [who] attended the press preview this morning — their enthusiasm was palpable.”
Tommasino does not have a favorite piece but said three aspects in the show are atypical for the Met.
First, the Performance Pyramid, a gallery within the show, displays documentation of historic works of performance art. The Met’s website says this space is “an integral aspect of creative expression throughout the African diaspora, animated by ancient Egyptian themes.” The site also mentions the Performance Pyramid as a stage for the series of live restaging and “presentations of new sonic, choreographic, and dramatic works.”
Second, Alpha’s Bet, a reading room and discussion space made up of newsstands, chairs, tables, and up to 575 facsimiles of Black periodicals from 1900–1940, including special Egyptian and African editions of “The Crisis” magazine, was purchased by the museum this year as a gift from the Ford Foundation.
Third, “A New Song,” the music gallery, features music videos, including Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,” and a Nefertiti disco head by Awol Erizku. “It’s a really fun space — I recommend anybody come see those things,” said Tommasino.
Other music items in the exhibition include popular Black culture pieces from Earth, Wind, and Fire as well as individual performers Erykah Badu, Nas, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and more. The exhibition’s playlist was essentially chosen for their covers’ visual connections to ancient Egypt.
Tommasino described “Love (Pyramid)” by Maren Hassinger to Delilah Williams, a photographer and digital content creator, who was curious to know its function. “They [the pyramid letters] are tiny notes and they all say ‘love’ on them,” Tommasino told Williams during the press preview.
“Love notes — how brilliantly cute and adorable,” said Williams, whose enthusiasm for “Flight into Egypt” was evident. “This is a phenomenal time that we’re in. Black people and people of color are getting recognition for the creations that they’ve been creating for centuries … To be here in this moment, in this space, is absolutely beautiful. It’s overdue — and it’s such a treat. I’m excited. I can’t wait to come back!”
“Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now” is on display at the Met now until Feb. 17, 2025. For more info, visit www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions.
