Lauren Halsey

A primer on contemporary artist Lauren Halseys latest site-specific installation, outlining her process, past work, and influences drawn from Afrofuturism, ancient Egyptian iconography, and Los Angeles Lauren Halsey is known for her sculptures, mixed media works, and site-specific installations that remix (or, as Halsey says, funkify) history by combining signs, symbols, and architecture from the past, present, and future. In her new installation for The Mets Roof Garden Commission series, she brings together ancient Egyptianinspired iconography and sculpture with signage and texts drawn from the artists local community in South Central Los Angeles. Accompanied by new photography and unpublished sketches from Halseys studio, this compact volume contains an insightful essay by curator Abraham Thomas that examines Halseys artistic process and considers this installation in the context of her past work. In a revealing interview with poet Douglas Kearney, the artist discusses her diverse influenceswhich include ancient Egyptian relief carving, funk music, Afrofuturism, and the architecture of L.A. and elaborates on the importance of community building and engagement in the spaces she creates. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press Exhibition Schedule: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (April 18October 22, 2023)