Subject Matters: A Galaxy Not So Far Away

Explore the Arts and Cultures of “Star Wars” during this Subject Matters event. Did you know that Darth Vader’s costume is based on samurai armor? Have you wondered why so many people in Star Wars seem to live on desert and jungle planets? For this Subject Matters event, UMMA Curator Dave Choberka and U-M Assistant Professor Bryan Miller (History of Art; UM Museum of Anthropological Archaeology) will take us through an art installation that asks visitors to consider the complex relationship between the representation of alien planets and people in the “Star Wars” universe, and the legacy of settler colonialism.

This special two-hour edition of Subject Matters includes a performative demonstration of Philippines martial arts with weapons and detailed discussions of traditional Philippines armaments (on display) by Filipino artist Francis Estrada.

Subject Matters is an event series that invites you to make new connections, explore art and ideas, and surprise yourself. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Curriculum / Collection.