Queen Amidala, Obi Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Padme Amidela, Darth Vader, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, C-3PO and many more are there in "Star Wars and the Power of Costume," a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.
Even those fans who have watched all of the "Star Wars" films will be amazed by a close-up look at the costumes exhibited on the second floor at the Denver Art Museum through April 2. Every tiny detail is perfect in Queen Amidala's elaborate gowns, for example. Lace, tiny tucks, embroidery and beads are part of many costumes, indicating multiple days of handwork on each one.
Concept drawings for each character's costumes are mounted at eye level, sometimes combined with bits of fabric, plastics and beads or braids. Headwear is equally impressive. Related videos are placed throughout the exhibit to explain the choices of materials and relevant lore.
Consider Queen Amidala's rich red "Throne Room gown" and curving metallic crown from "The Phantom Menace" --; they are so well recognized, they have become part of our society's mythology --; and here they are! As is iconic villain Darth Vader's flowing black cloak, helmet and light saber from "Return of the Jedi." In this exhibit, the visitor stands right in front of each image --; many are free-standing, not encased.
We see a concept drawing, and a close-up pair of Wookie Chewbacca's feet at the eye level of a 5-year-old, next to the whole furry costume on a tall mannequin. It was made for an actor who was 7'2'' tall. And also at child height are R2-D2 and C-3PO up close and personal.
More than 60 handcrafted costumes are presented in a joined series of galleries. Some have interactive details, such as a button one can push to make the light sabers glow.
Even very young children visiting the large exhibit seemed totally engaged and excited --; and so well-behaved that it was a joy to watch their excitement --; and to hear the conversations with parents, who were obviously well-informed fans, having grown up with these legendary characters.
The exhibit was developed by the Smithsonian Institution's Saul Sopici Drake, Myriam Springuel and E. Warren Perry Jr. Objects shown are loaned from the archives of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. (The not-yet-built museum is in the design phase by architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects.)
Laela French, director of archives, Skywalker Ranch, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, who has been overseeing the Star Wars collections of over 200,000 objects since 2001, was also heavily involved in choice of art to be displayed and worked with the DAM's Stephanie Van Dyke, experience and interpretation specialist, who enjoyed several visit to Skywalker Ranch, north of San Francisco.
"Narrative Art" is defined on the museum's website as "art which illustrates or tells a story. It usually describes self-explanatory events from daily life or those drawn from a text, well-known folk tale or myth," according to the "Dictionary of Art Terms."
Tom Fricker of Fricker Studio Graphic Design is credited with the exhibition design and Matt Rue of McGinty Co. is credited with the extensive and clear graphic design in this really exceptional exhibit.
The body of myths will grow larger on December 16 with the release of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," said to be a standalone film.
If you go
The Denver Art Museum is located on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Street in downtown Denver. Metered parking is available on nearby streets and the Cultural Parking Garage entrance is on 12th Avenue, just west of Broadway. Children are admitted free to the museum. Adults will need a timed ticket in advance. Plan ahead as the show is selling out on many days. Denverartmuseum.org or 720-913-0130.
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Star-Wars-and-the-Power-of-Costume-comes-to-Denver,240160
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