Where to see Marianna Kennedy’s Curated Show?
Actress Tilda Swinton was recently in the news for winning the honorary Golden Bear Award at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. She is now stepping into a new role as the curator for artist and designer Marianna Kennedy’s new show at Christie’s, Paris. A selection of her designs will be on view from 5-11 May 2025 in the show titled Supersonic Mediaeval. The show is organised by PLVR Zurich.
What is Marianna Kennedy’s Show About?
Marianna Kennedy is inspired by the raw materials and the craftsmanship of the old masters to produce distinctive pieces, made of resin, wood, bronze, and Murano glass, that blend modern and antique aesthetics. The feminist art curated by Tilda Swinton has a long history behind it. The actress had been a devoted collector and fan of Marianna Kennedy’s work for ages. Through the exhibition, she urges the masses to appreciate Kennedy’s vibrant art and decorative objects, spanning two decades.
Courtesy – Christie’s
Born in Canada, Kennedy studied at the National College of Art in Dublin before advancing her education at the Slade School of Art in London. She initially crafted sculptural mirrors and lamps in 2006 in her Spitalfields studio in London. The Marianna Kennedy textile art exhibitions are known to feature gilding, scrolls, and floral designs, and this show is no less. These iconic creations are a reflection of London’s culture. Spitalfields has gained notoriety for Georgian architecture, contemporary fashion, and the thriving Bangladeshi community, encapsulating London’s diverse history and is now showcased through Kennedy’s exhibition.
In this exhibition, Kennedy has utilized refined, contemporary methods and luxurious materials, which can be found in numerous private collections.
Tilda Swinton Marianna Kennedy’s Art Collaboration
The feminist art curated by Tilda Swinton designs a unique theatrical backdrop, acting as a gallery where every object awaits selection to narrate a fresh story in a different context.
Tilda Swinton’s art world influence does not commence with this exhibition. In 2019, she organized an inaugural exhibition in New York, collaborating with the Aperture Foundation. Named Orlando, the show drew heavily from the eponymous 1928 Virginia Woolf novel. In this exhibition, Swinton highlighted around 50 works from 11 artists, including Zackary Drucker, Lynn Hershman Leeson, and Mickalene Thomas.
Courtesy – Annie Schlechter
Tilda Swinton on Marianna Kennedy’s Work
In a statement, Tilda Swinton commented, “Marianna’s work has always sprung from and lived in, for me, a particularly sweet spot, one where the ancient and the resonant meet the unknown and surprising. This is the landscape of ‘Supersonic Mediaeval,’ invested in exquisite craftsmanship and joyful colour and merging the familiar and the fresh: Its atmosphere brings with it a breath to the heart of recognition, renewal, and bright new horizons ahead.”
Marianna Kennedy on Tilda Swinton’s Art World Influence
Marianna Kennedy has talked about her longtime friend’s influence and her vision, “I have always been inspired by Tilda’s unique artistic vision combined with a playful sense of collaboration. We both share a respect for craftsmanship and a love of beauty, bridging the gap between past and present but always looking forward. For us, the past is always new.”
Image – Marianna Kennedy and Tilda Swinton in conversation about the upcoming exhibition. Courtesy – Lucinda Douglas-Menzies
Contributor
