Traveling the Spaceways: Sun Ra, the Astro Black and other Solar Myths

Sun Ra (1914–93)—self-proclaimed visionary extraterrestrial of the “Angel Race,” prophetic jazz band leader and composer, and lyrical proponent of Afro-futurism—was one of the most influential figures of twentieth-century music. Though many of his fans are familiar with the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Sun Ra’s work, most remain blissfully unaware of how artists have continued to explore time and (outer) space through the invention and composition of his legacy. 
 
The remarkable illustrations and essays of Traveling the Spaceways confront the visual manifestation of Sun Ra’s philosophy and demonstrate how graphics and design were essential to his message of self-determination. The influence of Sun Ra’s openness to new technologies and experimentation, his sense of personal identity as a construct rather than a given, and his playful attitude towards history and mythmaking are all evidenced by the remarkable writers and artists who have contributed to this volume, including Pedro Bell, My Barbarian, Dave Muller, and Charlemagne Palestine. A refreshing reconsideration of the impact of Sun Ra’s life on American history and visual culture, Traveling the Spaceways is an unforgettable look at the Ra persona in the context of contemporary art.

John Corbett is a widely recognized jazz scholar and a former artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Festival. He teaches at the Art Institute of Chicago. Anthony Elms is an artist and writer. He is editor of WhiteWalls and assistant director of Gallery 400 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Terri Kapsalis is a Chicago-based writer, performer, and founding member of Theater Oobleck. She teaches at the Art Institute of Chicago.