For the Kinfolk app, a project dedicated to celebrating overlooked stories through digital monuments, Wangechi Mutu has created a new augmented reality (AR) sculpture called Bibi Bahari. Blending mythology with modern technology, this A.R. work will allow users in Brooklyn and New Orleans to summon the East African water spirit Mami Wata, as envisioned by Mutu. Bibi Bahari joins other location-based monuments in Kinfolk’s signature series, which includes contributions from artists such as Hank Willis Thomas and Tourmaline.
Launched by Movers and Shakers in 2017, the Kinfolk app was created to challenge traditional monument narratives and provide a platform for stories that have been historically marginalised. The project began with a desire to replace the controversial statue of Christopher Columbus in New York’s Columbus Circle with one honouring Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture. Over time, Kinfolk has evolved to include various interactive experiences, such as scanning physical works of art and activating them within the app.
Through this innovative use of A.R., Kinfolk is reshaping the way we interact with public art, making history more accessible and inclusive.
Courtesy of KINFOLK
