Is Tilda Swinton curating an exhibition? Now that’s a cinematic event in itself. This May, Christie’s Paris presents ‘Supersonic Mediaeval’, a showcase dedicated to the works of British artist and designer Marianna Kennedy. As a longtime admirer of Ms. Kennedy’s creations, Ms. Swinton is the perfect figure to bring her world to life—an idea reflected in the exhibition’s very name.
Following Mathieu Lehanneur’s exhibition, this latest exhibition delves into the artistic legacy of London’s historic Spitalfields neighborhood, offering a compelling retrospective of Ms. Kennedy’s most significant works.
Spitalfields, located in East London, is a vibrant district known for its artsy corners, trendy bars, historic churches, and its legacy as an industrial textile hub. Ms. Kennedy’s style, both modern and steeped in history, mirrors this heritage of Spitalfields itself.
At Christie’s, Ms. Swinton will transform the space into a cinematic stage. The scenography, inspired by Spitalfields’ historic houses, immerses visitors in an atmosphere rich with storytelling.
“Marianna’s work has always sprung from and lived in, for me, a particularly sweet spot, one where the ancient and resonant meet the unknown and surprising. This is the landscape of the Supersonic Mediaeval, invested in exquisite craftsmanship and joyful color and merging the familiar and the fresh: its atmosphere brings with it a breath to the heart of recognition, renewal, and of bright new horizons ahead,” Ms. Swinton said.
Speaking of Ms. Kennedy’s mastery of materials, resin, wood, mercury glass, bronze, lacquer, and Murano glass demonstrate her reverence for traditional craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Her work aligns with the legacy of great decorative artists such as Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Armand-Albert Rateau, Jean Dunand, and Eileen Gray.
She introduced her carved and gilded mirrors in 2006 from her Spitalfields studio, seamlessly blending heritage techniques with modern sensibilities. Her first major exhibition of these took place at Galerie Chastel-Marechal in Paris in 2011, following years of bespoke commissions for private collections.
Ms. Kennedy and Ms. Swinton’s collaboration is rooted in a shared passion for artisan craftsmanship, reimagining historical techniques with modern materials like resin and bold colors. Their partnership has resulted in mirrors, bronze and lacquer pieces, and small-edition or one-of-a-kind creations that bridge contemporary art and decorative design.
“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,” Ms. Kennedy said.
Supersonic Mediaeval is a true exploration of artistry and craft, steeped in the bold attitude of both the ladies. The exhibition will be on view from May 5 to 11 at Christie’s Paris.
