Passaic Today

Montclair State University Galleries will present an exhibition titled “The Age of Black Metal” from September 9 to December 14, 2025. The exhibition, curated by Afrotectopia founder Ari Melenciano, explores future cultural, spiritual, and societal possibilities through the concept of “Black Metal.” It will be held at both the George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater display cases.

The exhibition is based on the art book “Black Metal,” co-authored by Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal, and Kordae Jatafa Henry. The book was developed with input from MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative and NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program and received support from the Ford Foundation. It presents “Black Metal” as a speculative vision for the future as well as a form of spiritual pedagogy.

“The Age of Black Metal” features several installations inspired by the book’s chapters. Ari Melenciano’s “Celestial Florilegia” focuses on cosmic ritual practice and botanical consciousness. Jeremy Kamal’s “Companion 180, Vol. 1” serves as a shamanic guide connecting voyager, spacesuit, body, and spirit. Kordae Jatafa Henry’s “Dark Voyage” offers cinematic portraits that depict interstellar life through graphic storytelling. Jordan Caldwell’s “Training Grounds” provides metaphysical exercises related to self-exploration.

Visitors can also experience The Orbit installation featuring contemporary works and speculative artifacts influenced by the ideas in “Black Metal.” Attendees are encouraged to participate in activities such as crafting personal koans and engaging in metaphysical exercises.

All programs associated with the exhibition are free and open to the public. Key events include an opening reception on September 16 with remarks by Dean Gurskis and Ari Melenciano; an Art Forum discussion led by Melenciano on September 22; a panel discussion about collective liberation on October 15; and a film screening followed by discussion with Melenciano on November 5.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., while Kasser Theater Lobby is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., with additional Saturday hours available upon request. Visitors can access behind-the-scenes content via the Galleries’ Bloomberg Connects digital guide.

Montclair State University Galleries aims to foster dialogue and understanding through diverse exhibitions that connect the university with broader communities. More information is available at https://www.montclair.edu/galleries/.

“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.”