Elizabeth Colomba Selects: Films Inspired by “Mythologies”

In conjunction with our current exhibition, Elizabeth Colomba: Mythologies, PMA Films will be screening films hand-picked by the artist to accompany her work on Saturdays in July. 

Film screenings:

Screening at 1 pm on Saturday, July 8: The Leopard, 1963, directed by Luchino Visconti. Get tickets here!

Screening at 3 pm on Saturday, July 15: Howard’s End, 1992, directed by James Ivory. Get tickets here!

Screening at 3 pm on Saturday, July 22: The Wiz, 1978, directed by Sidney Lumet. Get tickets here!

Screening at 3 pm on Saturday, July 29: Gosford Park, 2001, directed by Robert Altman. Get tickets here!

An introduction to the series by Elizabeth Colomba:

Singularly varied in subject and style, these movies nevertheless share a common focus: they explore important cultural and societal themes through complex storytelling and richly drawn characters. Set in their respective periods of history, they each offer insight and critique on the way that history shapes contemporary society, on the structures of power, and the way they operate. Stylistically unique and visually stunning, each of these films simultaneously showcase the creative vision of their directors, all the while engaging with the idea of tradition.

My paintings take root in reference to the traditions of European portraiture, but subvert them by featuring Black bodies. With this gesture, centering Black individuals in their own mythology, they address questions of power and representation, challenging the dominant narratives of art history.

Similarly, The Wiz offers a powerful depiction of Black experiences that challenges dominant cultural narratives. Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) and The Wiz choose opulent and deeply decorative designs to convey the power and cultural authority of luxury.

Il Gattopardo (The Leopard), Howard’s End, and Gosford Park share a similar angle, exploring the tensions between classes and the dynamic of power inherent therein. At their core, each of the movies selected investigate human relationships, providing a lens through which to glimpse different aspects of human experience.

While each of these films attends to themes of identity and power, delving into issues such as race, class, gender, and the role of history, they each use art and design as the language for their critique. With rich aesthetic attention, aware of lineage and impact intrinsic to art, these films create potent images that challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the world around us.