“Spike Lee: Creative Sources” Arrives At Brooklyn Museum
“I’m just trying to tell a good story and make thought-provoking, entertaining films. I just try and draw upon the great culture we have as people, from music, novels, the streets.” - Spike Lee
Spike Lee still via Instagram
Only miles from where he grew up, the Brooklyn Museum celebrates director, producer, screenwriter, and actor Spike Lee. Spike Lee: Creative Sources looks at the influential creator’s unforgettable remarks in pop culture. The exhibit showcases more than 400 items Lee has collected over the years from his personal works, divided into categories such as sports and film.
Spike Lee: Creative Sources is just a fraction of his works, as he noted he could fill the entire museum with his endeavors. Not only does the exhibit display his historical projects of pop culture, but it also speaks to his impactful contributions in raising awareness for civil rights and Black history. Lee has opened several doors for like-minded and younger creatives.
Cultural Impact
Walking in are displays of various artifacts, including an African National Congress flag gifted to Lee by Nelson Mandela. Projected on the wall near the flag is his 1992 film Malcolm X, which depicts the advocacy and empowerment of Malcolm X as he rises to prominence.
There are also multiple movie posters of blaxploitation films Lee collected throughout his youth, like Hell Up in Harlem and Sweet Sweetback. More movie posters of Lee's documentary work revolving around the civil rights movement are across the room. One of the movie posters displays Michael Ray Charles’ artwork for Lee’s 1997 film, 4 Little Girls, which tells the story of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
Life and Family
The next room gives a glimpse of Lee’s early life with photos of his family, as they were a significant factor in his success. His grandmother, Zimmie Shelton, paid his tuition when he attended Morehouse College, then New York University Graduate Film School in 1982. His family has been supportive since the start, encouraging him to be a prolific person throughout his career.
His family was also familiar with the entertainment industry. His father, William James Edward Lee III, was a jazz musician and composer who collaborated alongside Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin. His 1994 film, Crooklyn, was also co-written by his sister Joie and his brother Cinqué. Joie is known for her screenwriting work in films such as She’s Gotta Have It and Mo' Better Blues.
Film
In the world of Cinema, Lee brought attention to social injustice, provoking conversations around racial inequality and police brutality. One of the items that stood out in the exhibit was artwork by Phresh Laundry of George Floyd, depicted as the character Radio Raheem from Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, who had a similar story to Floyd in the film.
A Spike Lee Joint also depicts the joys and celebrations of the characters, regardless of their dark experiences. A room with seating and three large screens play scenes of Lee’s most memorable musical interludes from his films School Daze and Summer of Sam.
Sports
Lee is notable for his numerous friendships with remarkable athletes, including Michael Jordan. Lee and Jordan collaborated on various Nike commercials throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Lee starred in various Nike commercials to promote their Air Jordan Sneakers. Here, he played the role of Mars Blackmon, who had the catchphrase, "It's gotta be the shoes.”
Lee is also known for being a die-hard fan of the New York Knicks. The exhibit has a room devoted to the NBA basketball team, holding Knicks gear and artwork of former players.
The artifacts of the sports section represent Lee’s love for athletes who have a substantial impact on Black excellence and diminish stereotypes. On the wall was a gifted tennis racket to Lee, owned and signed by Serena Williams, who faced racism and sexism throughout her career but never gave up on transforming women’s tennis.
Lee’s stories have had a long-lasting impact on American culture. His collection of items recognizes and remembers the contributions of Black individuals. The gallery is open to the public until February 4, 2024, and visitors can view the works that inspired Lee throughout his thriving career.
