Netflix Review: Abstract Season 2 By Tianna Andrea
Have you ever heard of Ruth Carter?
If not you’re truly missing out on knowing one of the most influential people in costume design for theater and television. With over 40 films to her credit she has effortlessly mastered envisioning clothing and character appearance within eras of history. Her work is most notably recognized in the hit movie Black Panther, but her complete work through the ages was by far enriching to variety of stories.
If it wasn’t for the Netflix series Abstract Art, a series which tastefully shared her narrative in a unique way. I’m not sure I would have had the full scope of her capacity as an artist. The compelling episode about Ruth Carter’s portfolio is astounding.
“In addition to designing costumes for the films of Spike Lee, Carter has worked with legendary directors such as Steven Spielberg and John Singleton, and has dressed actors from Denzel Washington to Josh Brolin, and actresses from Angela Bassett to Jane Fonda.“
Ruth Carter has received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in February 25, 2021, which makes her the Second Costume Designer to be honored with a Star. Ruth E. Carter also made history in 2019 by becoming the first Black person to win an Oscar for costume design for her work on “Black Panther.”
It was her third nomination in a career that began when Spike Lee hired her for his second feature, 1988’s “School Daze.” To date, Carter has 66 credits spanning television and film.
Movie-industry legend Ruth E. Carter is the first Black costume designer and second costume designer ever to have her name enshrined at Hollywood and Vine. The honor comes more than 60 years after prolific costumer Edith Head became the first in her field to receive a star.
Movies you’ve seen her work in:
Black Panther
Dolemite Is My Name
Amistad
Malcom X
Selma
Lee Daniels’ The Butler
just to name a few.
Photography by Awol Erizku
“Dresses worn onstage by the girl group in “Sparkle,” the 2012 remake of the 1976 cult film of the same name. The group’s fortunes are loosely based on the story of the Supremes, but, in both movies, the three singers are sisters. In the remake, Whitney Houston played their mother—her final film role.“
“The reward is seeing it through to fruition ”
Photography by Awol Erizku
“From “Malcolm X,” two embroidered kufis for Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X’s sometime mentor, and one kufi for an assistant of Muhammad’s.“
Photography by Awol Erizku
“Replicas of the Dodgers jersey (with Jackie Robinson’s number) worn by Mookie, Spike Lee’s character in “Do the Right Thing,” and of Radio Raheem’s “Bed-Stuy Do or Die” T-shirt. The boom box pays homage to the Promax Super Jumbo from which Radio blasts Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.””
Photography by Awol Erizku “ Ruth Carter’s Threads of History” - The New Yorker
“T’Challa’s Black Panther suit, from Ryan Coogler’s movie, and Carter herself wearing a replica of Radio Raheem’s knuckle ring.”
She is an icon and some one to know. What I’ve seen from my own personal experiences are some of the criticisms from individuals who don’t believe in creative jobs as being profound careers. What’s amazing about Ruth is she’s truly set that bar. You can indeed pursue a passion you believe in. As well as for the younger generation who are overly stimulated by technology and instant gratification, it’s humbling to see a woman who worked hard for most of her life and received what she deserved much later on within her career. Timing is everything but most importantly you must believe in what you do.
