Fred Moten

Fred Moten is a multifaceted American artist, renowned as both a poet and a scholar, whose work delves into the realms of critical theory, black studies, and performance studies. Born in 1962 and raised in Las Vegas, Moten's intellectual journey has taken him from Harvard University to his current role as a Professor in the Departments of Performance Studies and Comparative Literature at New York University. His academic pursuits are paralleled by a deep engagement with artistic expression, particularly in the genres of free jazz and spoken word. Moten's literary contributions include notable works like "In the Break: The Aesthetics of the Black Radical Tradition" and "Hughson's Tavern." Known for his soft-spoken yet profound manner, Moten's work invites listeners into a world of complex ideas and in-between states, challenging straightforward answers and embracing the nuances of human experience. His artistry is not just about the words he writes or the theories he explores, but also about the conversations he inspires and the communities he helps to build.