Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
Currently at: Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Virginia.
Exhibition Overview
Ruth E. Carter presents “Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” the Exhibition.
In 2019, audiences sitting in the Dolby Theater and watching around the world on television, stood up and roared with joy when Ruth Carter’s name was announced as the winner of the Oscar in Costume Design and, again, in 2023.
This touring costume exhibition showcases the story of Ruth E. Carter’s journey as an artist and storyteller, who found a home and passion in Costume Design as she adventured from her humble beginnings in Springfield, Massachusetts to the legendary Dolby Stage in Hollywood, California, to becoming a two-time Oscar® Winning Costume Designer.
Carter’s filmography and costume design uniquely capture the African-American narrative and leave their mark in cinematic history. The modular exhibition features costumes and artifacts from Carter’s storied career and are displayed in settings infused by Carter’s own artistry including interactive elements and a showcase of costumes from Carter’s private collection. As guests tour the exhibit space, they will be able to see rare, hand-drawn images of legendary film characters and experience a behind the scenes look into Ruth’s research, design, and production process which will inspire the creative story-teller within.
The creative exhibition showcases her:
award-winning work;
personal sketches;
iconic celebrated costumes;
design process that goes into creating costumes that connect actor with character;
filmmaking and production collaborations that bring the Afro-futuristic costumes to life; and
impactful contributions to film, television, and pop culture.
Previous Exhibitions
Specifications
Specifications
The exhibition features over 70 of Ruth Carter’s costumes, as well as sketches, ephemera and even her childhood sewing machine. Visitors are guided through 40 years of her multifaceted career, with
costumes on display from Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Amistad, Selma, Black Panther, Dolemite is My Name, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and more! The costumes are framed by colorful sets, hand painted by artist Brandon Sadler. Representing all four of Carter’s Academy Award nominations, the exhibition displays costume design as part of a filmmaking and story legacy at its finest. Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design is co-curated by Julia Long.
Impact
Inspiration
Carter’s life story and career journey have the power to inspire, motivate, and guide an individual seeking a career in the arts or anyone pursuing their passion no matter their career.
Education
Carter’s costumes serve as a time capsule capturing the history of America and allowing visitors to be educated in stories and styles of people from many periods and generations. Education is a powerful tool in reducing the racial gap by disarming prejudices and learning from Ruth Carter’s costume design offers a step in that direction allowing people to understand each other better.
Societal
People feel a deep sense of representation in Carter’s body of costume design work. Seeing it in full display, can make any visitor feel like they experienced something historic, timeless, and the work of creative genius.
Audience Reach
Residents of city and region exhibition is held
People of all ages
Young students
Filmmaking College and Graduate students
Costume Designers
Creatives
Filmmakers
Exhibition and Art enthusiasts
Intellectuals
Historians
Families
Tourists
Social Media Influencers
“Museums are often part of my inspiration and research process. I find invigoration and tranquility in places that present art, history, education, and a place for people to build community. To have my costumes showcased in a way that invites people on my journey and brings culture and Afrofuturisim to people’s hearts and minds is a dream come true! Especially, in terms of keeping these characters and stories alive and leaving a legacy.”
- Ruth E. Carter