Arthur Jafa Exposes Racial Bias in Martin Scorcese’s ‘Taxi Driver’

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As a connoisseur of art with a keen eye for stories that resonate deeply with my own experiences and the Black diaspora, I must say that Arthur Jafa‘s exhibition, “nativemanson,” at Sprüth Magers Los Angeles has left an indelible mark on me. The way he reinterprets iconic narratives like Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” through a Black lens is nothing short of brilliant.

Known for his raw depictions of Black Identity, Arthur Jafa’s inaugural Los Angeles exhibition titled “nativemanson” is now on display at Sprüth Magers. This exhibition features sculptures, installations, and films, including his latest visual work, “BG” (2024), where he integrates visual interruptions into Martin Scorsese’s classic 1976 crime drama, “Taxi Driver.

In a fresh take on the famous brothel showdown from the movie “Taxi Driver,” the director BG revisits the scene, incorporating Black pimps and customers as the intended targets of Travis Bickle’s (Robert De Niro) brutal crusade. Jafa seamlessly combines original footage with newly shot scenes, drawing from an earlier draft of the script where the victims were initially envisioned as Black. The movie additionally includes new segments, such as a contemplative scene featuring African American character Scar (Jerrel O’Neal), set to Stevie Wonder’s song “As.

Using multiple layers and repetitions, Jafa showcases the racial prejudice inherent in the classic film, presenting it from a Black point of view. His work highlights the conflicts between white aggression and Black autonomy. The other films in the exhibition mirror Jafa’s signature montage approach, utilizing his extensive image library to generate impactful, thought-provoking sequences. nativemanson can be seen at Sprüth Magers LA until December 14.

Sprüth Magers Los Angeles
5900 Wilshire Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90036

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2024-10-01 20:27