Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - An Ecstatic Experience

Preview image of work. Film, 6 minutes, color, An Ecstatic Experience 38493

2020.2

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An Ecstatic Experience

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Artist

Ja’Tovia Gary (1984 - )

Title

An Ecstatic Experience

Creation Date

2015

Century

early 21st century

Object Type

film

Creation Place

North America, United States

Medium and Support

Film, 6 minutes, color

Credit Line

Museum Purchase, Greenacres Acquisition Fund in partnership with the New Media Arts Consortium, a collaboration of the art museums at Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Colby College, Middlebury College, Mount Holyoke College, and Skidmore College

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

2020.2

Artist and filmmaker Ja’Tovia Gary emphasizes the history of oppression, liberation, and resistance in her film An Ecstatic Experience. This experimental manipulation of documentary images incorporates narratives and sounds from different archival media. The film includes excerpts from a 1965 television show in which actress Ruby Dee incarnates Fannie Moore, a previously enslaved woman recounting her mother praying ecstatically that their enslavement be over. Animated markings done by Gary add a personal touch and response to the film. Gary also incorporates found footage from church services, an interview with activist Assata Shakur, and several protests in support of Black Lives Matter to weave together historical contexts with contemporary events, making the themes of resistance and freedom resonate on screen.