Saya Woolfalk’s Empathic Universe exhibition, coming to the Hunter Museum in mid-May and running through Labor Day weekend, uses immersive digital artwork featuring kaleidoscopic video and sound to explore imagined future realities as well as the power of connectivity to transform individual lives and communities. As only the second venue for the exhibition, the Hunter is excited to bring this one-of-a-kind, mesmerizing experience to the region.
At the center of Woolfalk’s artwork is a fictional race called the “Empathics.” Drawing on science fiction and fantasy, Woolfalk uses this world and its figures to explore identity and belonging informed by African, African American, Japanese, European, and Brazilian art as well as storytelling traditions. Luminous figures rise from patterned landscapes, their vibrant forms decorated with intricate textiles that feel both ceremonial and futuristic. Visitors will move through environments that feel part laboratory and part dreamscape, where each installation invites you to slow down, look closely, and imagine new possibilities.
Originally presented at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, this exhibition is on view for only the second time ever at the Hunter.
Some Hunter Museum guests may have encountered Woolfalk’s work before, however, since the museum recently acquired one of her immersive video works, currently on display in the contemporary wing. Empathic Universe, the exhibition coming this summer, deepens the relationship many in our community have already begun to build with her practice, expanding and enriching the story that starts here.
Programs related to Empathic Universe will take place throughout the summer. Visitors can check Hunter Museum’s “Things to Do” page, or scan the QR code, for upcoming performances and activities, including the exhibition’s opening reception on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m.
The Hunter Museum presents an adaptation of Saya Woolfalk: Empathic Universe originally presented at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2025.
by Mackenzie Johnosn
At the center of Woolfalk’s artwork is a fictional race called the “Empathics.” Drawing on science fiction and fantasy, Woolfalk uses this world and its figures to explore identity and belonging informed by African, African American, Japanese, European, and Brazilian art as well as storytelling traditions. Luminous figures rise from patterned landscapes, their vibrant forms decorated with intricate textiles that feel both ceremonial and futuristic. Visitors will move through environments that feel part laboratory and part dreamscape, where each installation invites you to slow down, look closely, and imagine new possibilities.
Originally presented at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, this exhibition is on view for only the second time ever at the Hunter.
Some Hunter Museum guests may have encountered Woolfalk’s work before, however, since the museum recently acquired one of her immersive video works, currently on display in the contemporary wing. Empathic Universe, the exhibition coming this summer, deepens the relationship many in our community have already begun to build with her practice, expanding and enriching the story that starts here.
Programs related to Empathic Universe will take place throughout the summer. Visitors can check Hunter Museum’s “Things to Do” page, or scan the QR code, for upcoming performances and activities, including the exhibition’s opening reception on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m.
The Hunter Museum presents an adaptation of Saya Woolfalk: Empathic Universe originally presented at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2025.
by Mackenzie Johnosn
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