ruth e. carter at the charles h. wright museum

Afrofuturism in Costume Design

“This exhibition features over 60 designs from iconic films such as Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing and more.

Explore the artistic richness of storytelling through costume design. Take in Carter’s attention to detail that translates stories of race, politics, and culture and how her art adds dimensionality and flair to unforgettable characters brought to life by incredible actors. Experience the history making Afrofuturistic pieces that empower the female form, honor ancient cultures and invoke a deep sense of representation unlike any other costumes experienced on screen.

Carter defines Afrofuturism as using technology and intertwining it with imagination, self-expression, and an entrepreneurial spirit promoting a philosophy for Black Americans, Africans and Indigenous people to believe and create without the limiting construct of slavery and colonialism.

Carter became the first Black person to win in the costume design category also earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar. She is also the first Black woman to win two Oscars and the first costume designer to win an Oscar for a feature film and its sequel.”

Princess Shuri and the Black Panther nylon elastane, silk screen printed motifs, molded polyfoam details, molded poly resin

The big draw for this exhibition are the Black Panther costumes. Princess Shuri’s aesthetic shows how she’s different from her brother. The suit is made from lighter weight material as well as for a slimmer build. The silver and gold befit a Princess who becomes Queen.

Princess Shuri and M’Baku linen, silk, silk screen motifs, spandex, brass, molded poly resin, molded poly foam cotton, rafia, cotton rope, ceramic beads on leather, cotton binding and cotton cord

During a funeral scene, characters wear white to honor those who have passed. Shuri’s hood and elephant tusk earrings are 3D printed to create lighter weight reproductions of West African garments. There is a distinct elegance in the natural fiber embellishments and subtle damask.

Mary Junson printed cotton

This costume created for the character Mary Junson, played by Leslie Jones, in Coming 2 America is stunning in its intricate patterning. The beadwork appears hand sewn communicating an overall effect of beauty and importance.

Cinqué and Captured African cotton, butlap, silk, wool

Carter demonstrates her ability to dress nobility but in Amistad she also dresses the enslaved. Cotton and burlap starkly contrast to the silk and wool both worn by the character Cinqué, played by Djimon Hounsou, who is illegally captured in Africa, forced into the horrors of the Middle Passage then later freed in the US.

Reviews that include a video or audio supplement with further discussion of the exhibition will now be sent in one story. If you are able, please consider upgrading to paid and you will have access to today’s bonus content as well as all archived content. This week’s is a clip of a harp performance as well as my perspective on film production when I worked as a scenic artist and vendor on films shot here 2009-2011. Thank you!

Hollywood Insider Perspective with Musical Interlude