Mar, 23, 2021
ArtistsCommunityPhxArtist Spotlight
Malakai: In Her Own Words
An award-winning director, artist, and philanthropist with a deep love of technology and afro-futurism, Malakai has made it her mission to be a disruptor. It is always, always the goal of the self-declared desert afro-punk to tell world-building and fantastical narratives that turn archetypes of the Black Diaspora on its head.
Her artistic practice, however, isn’t the only way Malakai attempts to effect social change. In 2018, she founded Made In Her Image, a non-profit organization that seeks to expand the representation of young girls, women, and non-binary youth—especially those of the color—in the film, media, and technology industries. To put it simply—Malakai is breaking down barriers, and she won’t be stopped.
In 2018, the artist, who now splits her time between Phoenix and Inglewood, was named a Contemporary Forum Artists’ Grants Recipient and, as part of her award, exhibited work at Phoenix Art Museum in 2019, including her award-winning film SOULS. We recently spoke with her to learn about her first inspirations, her efforts to create pipelines of opportunity, and any upcoming projects.
Here’s Malakai, in her own words.
“My goal is to world build, through and through, and to truly disrupt and empower communities of color around the world with art and film that transcend.”
Malakai. Photo credit: Thomas Ingersoll.
PhxArt: When did you know you wanted to be an artist? What was your first inspiration?
Malakai: I first was exposed to art and the creative craft through my mother Veralyn Johnson, a phenomenal afro-centric folk artist who often utilized pottery, painting, and collage to communicate our family history. My father, an engineer, often used the mediums of photography and film to create his work as well. I was surrounded by art installations and art shows growing up, so it’s no surprise that I followed in my parents’ footsteps. I didn’t know I wanted to do art full time, though, until I was 21, but I feel that, subconsciously and innately, I always knew.
PhxArt: What are the media you prefer to work in?
Malakai: My primary and preferred medium and art form is film, but with each of my installations, I love to collaborate and build out additional experiences through art, music, film, and design. I love curating and building worlds in partnership with other artists who feel the most natural to a project. I always strive to develop and implement whole curated projects.
Malakai, SOULS, 2019. Film still. Courtesy of the artist.
PhxArt: When did you create your first film, and how has your relationship to that specific art form shifted as your career has progressed?
Malakai: I first started creating films when I was in high school. My first “official” project that I put out into the world, however, was a documentary called Black Girls Code back in 2013. My career has really shifted since then. My relationship to film has changed in that I truly see it as the lifeblood of my identity. I have made it my personal mission to curate and create art, and my goal is to world build, through and through, and to truly disrupt and empower communities of color around the world with art and film that transcend.
PhxArt: What are you specifically trying to disrupt with your work?
Malakai: I’m disrupting the racially charged systemic norms put into place by gatekeepers to disenfranchise Black and brown folks of color. So disrupting the norm by building our own pipelines— that’s my goal.
Malakai, SOULS, 2019. Film still. Courtesy of the artist.
PhxArt: The non-profit you started, Made in Her Image, seems to certainly be a step in fulfilling this disruption. Tell us about the mission of that organization and why activism is central to your practice.
Malakai: I started Made In Her Image out of a need to curate pipelines to real opportunities for young women and girls of color. As an artist, my art is, in part, philanthropy. Giving back through community organizing is a passion of mine and something that is integral to who I am.
PhxArt: Who are your greatest artistic influences, and where do you draw inspiration from?
Malakai: My greatest artistic influences are Octavia E. Butler, Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, and Odetta. I believe for me, I draw inspiration from my family and lineage—my mothers and my father. I also draw inspiration from experiences and a need to explore and get to the heart of how I want my work to inspire others and be implemented.
Malakai, SOULS, 2019. Film still. Courtesy of the artist.
PhxArt: What are you currently working on that our community can get excited to see next?
Malakai: I’m just now developing my next project—a film and art activation reconstructing many archetypes of ancient mythology and marrying them with Black magical surrealism and fantasy.
See more
To discover more work by Malakai, visit directedbymalakai.com.
#CreativeQuarantine
We’re curious how creatives are navigating the time of coronavirus. Malakai shares what’s giving her life as a creative during quarantine.
Malakai: I am honestly doing a lot of meditation and watching films I haven’t seen before. It’s been a very interesting time filled with self-reckoning and shadow work as well. I feel like we all deserve to have these experiences—to read and relax.
