Kara Walker’s Robots Come Alive in Major SFMOMA Commission

Kara Walker’s Robots Come Alive in Major SFMOMA Commission

As a connoisseur of contemporary art, I must say that Kara Walker’s latest exhibition at SFMOMA has left me utterly spellbound! The fusion of technology and her signature black cut-paper silhouettes is a testament to the artist’s innovative spirit.


Known primarily for her intricate black silhouettes crafted from paper, American artist Kara Walker has opted for a fresh technological direction in her recent exhibit at SFMOMA. Entitled “Fortune and the Immortality Garden (Machine)“, this show expands on her ongoing investigations into themes of race, authority, and history, leading spectators through a dreamlike terrain of ritual and rejuvenation.

At the exhibition, eight robots that resemble Black figures evoke ancient religious symbols and divine imagery, moving up and down amidst glistening obsidian landscapes. Some of Walker’s robotic gardeners seem stuck in endless cycles of toil, but the central figure, Fortuna, serves as a messenger of forgiveness. This seven-foot tall prophetess initiates a synchronized dance while dispensing fresh fortunes from her mouth.

The artist uses ancient dolls, traditional Japanese puppetry (Bunraku) and Octavia Butler’s “Parables of the Sower” as inspiration to craft her unusual characters. According to the museum, these works highlight “the commemoration of trauma, the aims of technology, and the potential for overcoming the detrimental forces affecting modern society.

Simultaneously with the upcoming exhibit, we’ll publish a companion book titled the same as the show, which is set to release at the beginning of next year. This book, filled with paintings, sketches, photographs, dialogues, and written pieces, will provide a more profound understanding of Walker’s imaginative universe.

The intriguing exhibit titled “Fortune and the Immortality Garden (Machine)” is currently being showcased at no charge in the Roberts Family Gallery of the museum, and will remain on display until spring 2026.

SFMOMA
151 3rd St,
San Francisco, CA 94103

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2024-11-01 20:26