Binti

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Seeing Binti Through the Eyes of Other Afrofuturists”

In this activity, students will be able to “see” Binti: The Complete Trilogy more clearly through the eyes of modern Afrofuturistic visual artists and, in doing so, gain a greater appreciation for both the trilogy and the cultural movement at large.

Afrofuturism encompasses an array of cultural forms: It can refer to literature, TV, or movies, but it also can refer simply to a certain a visual aesthetic. In this exercise, you will break into small groups to research artists who are known for their iconic Afrofuturistic imagery, searching for ones that, in your opinion, connect to Binti: The Complete Trilogy in a way that sheds new light on the series.

After breaking into small groups, you will:

• Select an Afrofuturist artist to be the subject of your presentation. Keep in mind the central themes of Binti as you research and look for likeminded artists, with similar themes in their work. You can also look for artists with the same background as the author (Nigerian American), who might be working from a similar visual “vocabulary.”
• Create a poster that gives an overview of your chosen artist. Your poster should use the following format: (1) Provide biographical details about the artist; (2) Show 3-4 pieces of art that are exemplary of their work; and (3) Describe how and why you think this visual art speaks to and/or sheds new light on Binti: The Complete Trilogy.

To conclude this activity, disband from your small group and, as individuals, create a visual piece based on a scene in the Binti trilogy, via either freehand drawing or collage. Strive to complete your visual work in the style and/or manner of the visual artist that your small group presented. If possible and permitted to do so, you may opt to use digital art software to design and complete your piece.

Teaching Suggestion: If students choose the same Afrofuturist artists in their group presentations, you can take advantage of a teaching moment regarding the subjective nature of art: Even when viewing the same painting, individual viewers can walk away with completely different meanings and insights. Also, for the second part of this exercise, it may be helpful to offer a variety of collage materials for students who might not have extensive drawing skills.