By: Maria-Paula
A special exhibition of the Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition opened May 11 after the close of the previous edition which ran from Oct. 10, 2023, to March 31.
The exhibition, a captivating showcase of over 60 original costume designs by the two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, is at Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Designs to be showcased come from iconic films such as Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing, among others.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” showcases Carter’s creations which serve as living lessons, chronicling the rich tapestry of the human experience from Jamestown in 1619 through the antebellum strife to the radiant promise of Afro future. The designer’s attention to detail in her work also translates powerful stories of race, politics, and culture. Her art adds dimensionality and flair to unforgettable characters portrayed by incredible actors.
Afrofuturism in Costume Design’ Exhibition A “Fashioned in History” exhibit area features the work of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation tailors who dress historical interpreters depicting people living in early America.
Carter’s costume designs in Marvel Studio’s “Black Panther” films fuse traditional and contemporary styles and combine symbolism and storytelling while incorporating technology to re-imagine beauty and deliver Afrofuturistic pieces. Since the pieces are based on period portraits and surviving garments on display in gallery exhibits at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, her designs empower the female form, honor ancient cultures and invoke a deep sense of representation unlike any other costumes experienced on screen.
Notably, she made Oscar history by becoming the first Black person to win in the costume design category, earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar. In addition, she is the first Black woman to win two Oscars and the first costume designer to win an Oscar for a feature film and its sequel. Carters impact on filmmaking has earned her awards and accolades, including the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over her three-decade career in film, television, and theater, Carter a graduate and honorary doctorate recipient from Hampton University, has created thousands of costumes for characters both historical and fictional in her collaboration with prolific directors like Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler. Her costumes, whether based on real or imaginative characters, provide a rich narrative arc for African Americans. The designs enrich the humanity of the Black experience and cement her legacy as an expert in period genres and Afro aesthetics.
From intertwining technology with imagination, self-expression, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Carter promotes a philosophy that encourages Black Americans, Africans, and Indigenous people to create without the limiting constructs of slavery and colonialism.
The Dominion Energy and James City sponsored event offers a hands-on experience and displays the design process for creating historical cloths. Visitors to the exhibition will therefore have a unique opportunity to appreciate the intersection of creativity, culture, and history in the world of cinema by exploring the artistic richness of storytelling through costume design.
Special Exhibition included with Museum Admission “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” is included with admission to Jamestown Settlement: $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12 and beginning July 1, 2024: $20.00 for adults, $10.00 ages 6-12.
An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with daytime programs and events. Parking is free. Jamestown Settlement is a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For more information and tickets, you can visit jyfmuseums.org/ruthecarter.
