The exhibit “Saks Afridi: SpaceMosque” at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center invites visitors into a realm of imaginative time travel and spiritual exploration. Afridi’s work, which he terms “Sci-Fi Sufism,” merges mysticism with storytelling, drawing upon themes of self-discovery and cosmic wonder. Central to the exhibition is the concept of a “SpaceMosque,” a futuristic vessel that appeared over Earth around the turn of the millennium, offering one prayer per day to people worldwide. This phenomenon presents itself uniquely to each individual, akin to a portal that adapts its form based on the viewer’s understanding.

The exhibit features an array of photographs, diagrams, and artifacts, illustrating the SpaceMosque’s features, including “Purified Prayer Release Channels” and robotic A.N.G.E.L.S. (Anthropomorphic Neo-Generative Energy Living Systems) whose prayers are believed to fuel the vessel’s engine. Each installation is a collaboration involving various artists and creators, embodying Afridi’s background in advertising and an “insider/outsider” perspective that enhances the work’s depth.

Australians noted that Afridi’s narrative bridges cultures and taps into a broader conversation about progressive interpretations of religion, and there’s a parallel to Afrofuturism. Through this compelling story, Afridi encourages viewers to contemplate the nature of prayer and its potential impact on the world, challenging them to reflect on their desires. In doing so, he reminds us of our collective humanity and the limited reach of selfish intentions. Afridi plans to further develop this narrative across various mediums, including a graphic novel and potential film adaptations, signaling the continuing evolution of his imaginative vision.