Simone Leigh is unparalleled in her efforts to showcase the many facets of Black women’s contributions to society and to each other. Her voice is distinct and inspiring and I’m still pinching myself that she asked me to style costumes for her art film Untitled (M*A*S*H) - and even to make a tiny cameo in it as well! Inspired by the sitcom M*A*S*H, as well as, the United Order of Tents, a 19th century society of Black women caregivers, the wardrobe is an interpretation of what Black military nurses in the Korean War would have worn while practicing the art of self care. The characters range in age from infancy to sage and are all engaged in varying healing tasks from acupuncture, to reading.
This experience led me to meet a community of superstar yet, humbly powerful, and courageous women who are making waves in the healthcare, art, dance and music worlds. Plus, it brought me back in touch with two special connections from my collegiate life at Howard University: my dear friend, JaSaun Buckner, who produced the film; and award-winning cinematographer, Bradford Young, what an honor! The film was shown in part, with Simone’s exhibition Loophole of Retreat at the Guggenheim Museum, in New York City, and, also featured at the 2018 Berlin Biennale For Contemporary Art. It also led me to develop a friendship with Simone’s close friend and collaborator Francesca Mannoni, who helped me wrangle the costumes. Unfortunately Fran lost her battle to cancer a few years after this film was made, but her patient brilliance lingers in the spirit of it. 🕊
