October Book Club: Modern + Myth

Explore the connections between contemporary literature, art, and cultural identity at the MFA’s Book + Belonging book club. Presented alongside the exhibition New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, this four-part series invites readers to question common assumptions about the idea of the “anonymous African artist” and challenge the notion that masquerade traditions are static art forms belonging only to the distant past.

This month’s selection is Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, a powerful collection of stories that uses dark humor and satire to examine what it means to be young and Black in America. Through ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Adjei-Brenyah explores the violence, injustice, and unsettling contradictions that shape everyday life for Black Americans.

Each gathering combines a guided book discussion with a gallery talk connecting the exhibition’s artworks to broader conversations about society and culture. Guests can also enjoy unlimited popcorn and a specially paired glass of wine, with additional wine available for purchase.

Presented in partnership with Book + Bottle, the series offers an opportunity to connect literature, visual art, and meaningful conversation. Copies of the book are available at both the MFA Shop and Book + Bottle.

Tickets

- MFA Members: $25

- Not-yet-members: $35

Admission includes the program and one glass of wine. Additional wine is available for purchase.