Rashid Zakat’s “Uses of the Ironic”: A Celebration of Black Social Life and Artistic Experimentation

Philadelphia-based multimedia artist Rashid Zakat pushes creative boundaries in his latest exhibition, Uses of the Ironic, currently showing at the Asian Arts Initiative. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and the William Penn Foundation, it was curated by Blackstar’s Chief Executive and Artistic Officer Maori Karmael Holmes. The multi-disciplinary collection reveals Zakat’s mastery across media—film, music, photography, and digital illustration—while embodying his commitment to Black social life and communal joy.

Known for his work in experimental film, video, sound, performance, and digital illustration, Zakat describes Uses of the Ironic as a tapestry woven from years of personal and community archives. His pieces combine archival images with original content, drawing from elements of Black spiritual, social, and folk traditions. These themes reveal both the resilience and vibrancy of Black life, presented through humor, music, and deeply personal storytelling.

Zakat, a 2021 Pew Arts Fellow, is clear about the political impetus behind his work. He says, “Black social aliveness is the political imperative of my work, whereby I seek to create openings for audiences to be loud, to be enlivened, and to revel in the glory of communal excitement and civic joy.” This ethos underpins Uses of the Ironic, which not only invites audiences to engage in self-reflection but also to celebrate and revel in a collective experience of joy.

When I spoke with Zakat to discuss the exhibit, he spoke of his influences, ranging from church experiences to childhood TV staples like The Simpsons and In Living Color. These cultural touchstones, he explained, infused him with an appreciation for humor as a tool of subversion and community-building. “Joy can be a powerful form of rebellion,” he noted, referencing how he grew up witnessing scarcity but found strength in joy, laughter, and shared experiences.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Uses of the Ironic is its nuanced use of humor, a powerful device that Zakat describes as a “sweet invitation” to the audience. Rather than hitting viewers with overt messages, he weaves irony and satire through familiar images and sounds, allowing people to uncover the exhibit’s underlying themes at their own pace. “It’s about making people want to stick around, dance a little, laugh a little, and maybe question something deeper,” he said.

Zakat’s ongoing project Revival!—a central component of the exhibition—draws from Black popular culture and religious and folk traditions, blending them with elements of Japanese anime, which he says reflects “political liberation through imagination.” This cross-cultural exchange is part of his effort to connect with the multifaceted identities within Black communities, exploring how fandoms and global cultural affinities intersect.

An artist with a growing reputation, Zakat has received prestigious grants, including the Independence Public Media Foundation Filmmaker Grant and the Velocity Fund grant. His work has been featured at notable Philadelphia institutions like the BlackStar Film Festival, The FabricWorkshop and Museum, and The Barnes Foundation, cementing his impact within both local and national artistic landscapes.

Reflecting on Philadelphia’s influence on his work, Zakat shared, “Philly is cheap, close to New York, and filled with talent… there’s something really special about the community here.” For him, the city offers a unique space for experimentation and creativity, nurtured by its blend of vibrant cultural history and supportive artistic community.

Uses of the Ironic will run at the Asian Arts Initiative until December 14, available for viewing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tickets are available here.