Afrofuturism, a movement that began in the Black community during
the early 20th Century as an escape from racial hostility, economic
turmoil, and aggressive policing, is enjoying a renaissance witnessed by the record-breaking
success of creative projects, including the Oscar-winning Marvel Studios film, Black
Panther; Regina King’s Emmy-winning HBO superhero tale, Watchmen;
Janelle Monae’s hit album, Dirty Computer; Jordan Peele’s provocative
feature Get Out; Octavia Butler’s famed science fiction novel, Kindred;
and Beyonce’s visual album Black Is King. Now comes Afrofuturist Tim
Fielder’s beautifully written and rendered INFINITUM.
In INFINITUM, King Aja Ọba and Queen Lewa are
revered across the African continent for their impressive political and
military skills. Yet the future of their kingdom is in jeopardy, for the royal
couple do not have an heir of their own. When the King kidnaps his son born to
a concubine, Obinrin, she curses Ọba with the “gift” of immortality. After
enjoying long, wonderful lives both, Queen Lewa and the crown prince die
naturally, leaving the ageless bereaved King Ọba heartbroken and alone. Taking
advantage of Ọba’s vulnerability, enemy nations rise to power and kill the
king – or so they think. King Aja Ọba survives the fatal attack, finally
realizing the bitter fruit of Obinrin’s curse.
For millennia, the immortal Ọba wanders the earth,
mourning his lost subjects and searching for a new kingdom. His journey leads
him across time, allowing him to witness the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the
New World, and the American Civil Rights Movement. The expansion of global
technology brings about intergalactic travel, first contact with an alien
species, and conflicts within and ultimately outside the known universe. Thrust
into these seminal events, Ọba, now known by many as “John,” faces harrowing
decisions that will determine mankind’s physical and spiritual trajectory.
In 280 plus stunningly emotional and evocative full-color images, INFINITUM
presents a unique cosmic experience, addressing issues of racism, classism,
gender inequity, the encroachment of technology and the spiritual cost of war,
while exposing the history behind ancient mysteries.
A native of Mississippi, Tim Fielder is an illustrator, cartoonist, animator and OG Afrofuturist. He is the founder of Dieselfunk Studios, an intermedia storytelling company, and is an educator for institutions such as the New York Film Academy and Howard University. Tim has served clients such as Marvel, Tri-Star Pictures, Ubisoft Entertainment, and the Village Voice, and is known for his TEDx Talk on Afrofuturism. He won the prestigious 2018 Glyph Award, and his work has been showcased in the Hammonds House Museum, Exit Art and NYU Gallatin Gallery. He attended Jackson State University, School of Visual Arts, and New York University. He lives in New York City.
