The Death of Sophonisba was my first project for Cinematography I. Our wonderful professor Miriam, took us on field trips to The Cleveland Museum of Art to pick out paintings to recreate.
As a kid I hated museums, I think I secretly liked them, I just didn't have the attention span. Now I can appreciate what's here, and I’m tall enough to read the plaques! Returning to these exhibits after a decade felt impactful. Cleveland is one of the cookie-cutter American cities, but a free admission museum is one of our special things.
Sophonisba was the perfect painting. It had 1 subject, low lighting, and minimal props, but the feelings it evoked were visceral. I knew I could get my sister to play the part, she had the candles, bottles, and white gown in her room already. I found the orange shall and feather pens myself.
The most difficult part of production was hanging black velvet. I don’t own any C-Stands or really any kind of mounting gear, so I tried to jam it in the drop ceiling with gaff tape, velcro, hopes, and prayers. It took a nasty chunk of paint off the wall and Mom wanted to kill me. All is worth it for le ciné.
Exported on February 12th, 2024.