NYC, NY Magic of Myth at BMA on StarWars.com

StarWars.com Magic of Myth

Magic of Myth Heading to Brooklyn
January 04, 2002


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 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 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 Hem 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 prese