Jet packs, hover boards and robot maids. That future has yet to come true. But The New Future, now on
view at DCAC, gives us a glimpse into what our next future holds, while reflecting on what didn’t come to pass. Curated by Kristina Bilonick, the exhibit brings together a collection of four artists and their eclectic mix of old and new, pointing out disappointment in what could have been and small wisps of hope for a possible new future.

On opening night, the new future was so bright that sunglasses were handed out, both in reference to a one hit wonder and our rapidly depleting environment that now causes us to wear protective eye gear. Urban Scout, a “rewilder,” taught rope making in his teepee (or “tipi”) and demonstrated how to make fire in the alley behind the SunTrust Bank.

The tipi, which Scout once used for shelter, dominates the gallery. It is draped in caution tape and is constructed with PVC pipe, a very modern material. Amateur picture collages of his rewilding journey are set against bright neon backgrounds. Cases containing his tools are displayed like in the Natural History Museum, with the tools laid out in a glass case with a corresponding “map” naming the instruments.