Submitted by Marlin May, May 6, 2008 13:54

Pia Catton said, "What are superhero costumes and track suits doing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The trivial nature of comic book heroes appears incongruous with this particular museum."

Ms. Catton's notion that superheroes lacks the gravitas for inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art indicates a certain ignorance as to the place these archetypal creations occupy in the cultural landscape. I suspect that there is not enough space in these comments for proper illumination.

I will say this, though. These characters, these archetypes, these re-imaginings of gods and goddesses are vitally important, and examining how artist has clothed them within the context of serious critique is in line with that importance.

In any case, are superhero costumes haute couteur? In most cases, no, but I've seen couteur clearly informed by superhero costumes.

Are these costumes pop culture? Surely, but, there are depths there to be plumbed.

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