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Star Wars: The Magic of Myth
- Dates: April 5, 2002 through July 7, 2002
- Collections: Decorative Arts
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... more
December 2001: Star Wars: The Magic of Myth will make its final stop on a tour of the United States at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, where it will be on view from April 5 through July 7, 2002. The exhibition examines the mythological roots of the now legendary film saga that explores themes of heroism and redemption and the triumph of good over evil through the creation of characters that exemplify chivalry, nobility, valor, and evil. Star Wars: The Magic of Myth presents original artwork, props, models, costumes and characters used to create the original Star Wars trilogy—Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, as well as objects from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
The exhibition was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) following its debut at the National Air and Space Museum, where it attracted over one million visitors and was one of the most visited Smithsonian exhibitions of all time.
“We are delighted to present this remarkable exhibition of objects from these landmark films. Through these extraordinary artifacts created by some of the leading artists in their fields, implementing the creative vision of George Lucas, our visitors will have a true behind-the-scenes experience of this epic saga, which has become a worldwide cultural phenomena that has endured and grown for the past quarter century,” comments BMA Director Arnold L. Lehman.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art presentation will be the most comprehensive to date and will include several objects not seen in previous venues. Among them will be the debut of an elaborate costume worn by Queen Amidala when she appeared before the Galactic Senate. Notable for its fusion of Asian and European Art Nouveau styles, it combines velvets, soutache braid, beading, and appliques. It will be accompanied by costumes worn by two of the Queen’s handmaidens.
Installed in two floors of gallery space, Star Wars: The Magic of Myth will include more than thirty costumed mannequins of the best-known Star Wars characters, including R2-D2, C-3PO, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Maul. One of the highlights will be the crime lord, Jabba the Hutt, reclining in splendor with his court jester, Salacious B. Crumb displayed along with members of his entourage, including palace dancers, guards, and Princess Leia’s slave girl costume.
Many of the original miniature models designed by Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic will also be on view, including the Imperial Star Destroyer, the Millennium Falcon, and young Anakin Skywalker’s podracer from The Phantom Menace. Huge photomurals of scenes such as the Death Star and Emperor Palpatine’s throne room will evoke the monumental imagery of the films. A variety of art-work will provide rare insights into the creative process that culminated in the stunning visual images of the Star Wars motion pictures. Interpretive panels throughout the exhibition will explore the mythological sources that have helped to transform the films into a timeless epic.
Reflective of the late Joseph Campbell’s story of the “hero’s journey” presented in the book The Hero with a Thousand Faces and the acclaimed television series The Power of Myth, Star Wars: The Magic of Myth explores how the themes of the young hero, the faithful companions, the endangered maiden, the wise guide, and others resonate through the Star Wars saga and have given it an enduring universality.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a 30 minute documentary that examines the impact of Star Wars on world culture in the late 20th century. It includes interviews with George Lucas, actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, as well as sound designer Ben Burtt, composer John Williams, and others. An audio tour is also available.
In conjunction with Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, the BMA will present an exhibition of approximately 25 objects from its comprehensive permanent collection that will examine how diverse cultures throughout time have explored many of the universal themes presented in the Star Wars films. Titled The Myth of the Hero and Heroine, it will include objects such as a marble head of Queen Cleopatra VII from the first century B. C.; Porter Blake screenprints illustrating Alice in Wonderland; a Yoruba mask used in festivals commemorating the deeds of ancestral warriors; a Polynesian club, the powers of which increase with each success in battle; and a Rembrandt etching of Faust. It has been organized by Richard Fazzini, Chair of the Department of Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art.
Organization: Star Wars: The Magic of Myth was developed by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Because of its extraordinary popularity, the exhibition was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). All artifacts in the exhibition are on loan from the archives of Lucasfilm Ltd. Dr. James F. Romano, Curator of Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art, will coordinate the exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The exhibition design of the Brooklyn presentation is by Matthew Yokobosky.
Tour: Following its appearance at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Star Wars: The Magic of Myth will be presented at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia, where it will open in September of 2002. In the United States it traveled to the San Diego Museum of Art; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; The Field Museum in Chicago; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Toledo Museum of Art.
Publication: In a companion book entitled Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (Bantam, 1997) Mary Henderson, author and exhibition curator from the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, explores the technical and philosophical influences of mythology in the Star Wars trilogy through text and illustrations.
Tickets: Tickets will be required for Star Wars: The Magic of Myth that will include the cost of general admission. Prices, on-sale date, and a toll-free number will be announced.
Press Coverage of this Exhibition
- ART REVIEW; The 'Star Wars' Effect, And the Part That's ArtApril 5, 2002 By MICHAEL KIMMELMANMichael Kimmelman reviews Star Wars: The Magic of Myth exhibit at Brooklyn Museum of Art; photos (M)
- Gilbert Stuart And the Jedi In BrooklynApril 7, 2002 By SUSAN SAULNYExhibit of original art, costumes and props used in making Star Wars movies opens at Brooklyn Museum of Art; photo of fans dressed as characters from popular movie saga (M)
- ART GUIDEApril 12, 2002 "A selective listing by critics of The Times of new or noteworthy art, design and photography exhibitions at New York museums and art galleries this weekend. Addresses, unless otherwise noted, are in Manhattan. Most galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but hours vary and should be checked by telephone. Gallery admission is free. * denotes a..."
- ART GUIDEApril 19, 2002 "A selective listing by critics of The Times of new or noteworthy art, design and photography exhibitions at New York museums and art galleries this weekend. Addresses, unless otherwise noted, are in Manhattan. Most galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but hours vary and should be checked by telephone. Gallery admission is free. * denotes a..."
- THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: 4-21-02: GALLERY; A Show of HandsApril 21, 2002 By Hope Reeves"Forget Damien Hirst's dead sharks. These days, museums are luring visitors with a different bag of tricks. The Brooklyn Museum devoted its latest show to ''Star Wars,'' complete with light sabers for the children. Now through May 25, the Bronx Museum of the Arts is offering free manicures on Wednesdays and Saturdays, by appointment. In this..."
- BENEFITSApril 21, 2002 "By and for the Theater MONDAY -- Liz Callaway, LaChanze, Mary Testa, Jerry Dixon, Malcolm Gets, Alison Fraser and others will put on a cabaret show at the Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th Street, to raise money for Playwrights Horizons, which supports new works by writers, composers and lyricists. Cocktails are at 6:30, followed by dinner at 7:45..."
- SCENES; The Name May Be Artsy, But It's Still Date NightApril 24, 2002 By KIMBERLY STEVENSMuseums are striving to attract younger audiences and gain new members by exploiting their popularity as places to meet people; many are extending weekend hours and adding cocktails and entertainment, creating heated singles scene; photo (Special section, Museums) (M)
- NEW YORK; New York's Showcases Are Facing ShortfallsApril 24, 2002 By BERNARD STAMLERTwo largest museums in New York City, American Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum of Art, confront financial uncertainties; cash-short city, which owns both museum buildings and is major source of funds for both, has already cuts its financing by about $1.5 million apiece, and more cuts are likely; private donations have not returned to pre-Sept 11 level, although attendance has improved since winter as fears of terrorism fade and economy shows signs of new life; photos (M) (Special section, Museums)
- ART GUIDEMay 3, 2002 "A selective listing by critics of The Times of new or noteworthy art, design and photography exhibitions at New York museums and art galleries this weekend. Addresses, unless otherwise noted, are in Manhattan. Most galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but hours vary and should be checked by telephone. Gallery admission is free. * denotes a..."
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