Glasgow-based Corin Sworn (b.1976 ,London) was awarded the biannual Max Mara Art Prize for Women in collaboration with the Whitechapel Gallery in January 2014. Established in 2005 to promote and nurture women artists in the UK and celebrate the contribution they make to contemporary art, the Prize is collaboration between theCollezione Maramotti, Max Mara and the Whitechapel Gallery.
A major new art commission by the artist will be unveiled in May 2015 at the Whitechapel Gallery. The work follows Swonrn’s six month residency in Rome, Naplesand Venice and marks the culmination of the fifth edition of the Prize.
The new work focusses on the rich history of the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, the improvised theatrical comedies from the 16th century onwards performed by touring troupes of actors. Combining architecture, sculpture and textiles, the installation will set the stage for a live performance. Sworn was particularly interested in the evolution of la commedia through history, and the instances of mistaken identity which often appear in its storylines. The role of clothing in 16th and 17th century Italian society, and the ability of the newly professionalised role of the actor to destabilise relationships and hierarchies is also explored.
During the residency the artist studied rare manuscripts of traditional plays, visited theatre productions and buildings such as Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio’s Teatro Olympico in Vicenza, whose grand trompe-l’œil stage set is the oldest in the world.
Special Event:
Nov 20th 2014, 7pm | Talk and Performance (tickets: 8,50£, reduced 6,50£)
May 19th 2015, 10am – 11am | Media View
- Artists:
Corin Sworn - Open:
Wednesday, 20 May 2015 - Close:
Sunday, 19 July 2015 - Address:
77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX - Phone:
+44 20 7522 7888 - Web:
Whitechapel Gallery - Opening hour:
Tue – Sun | 11am – 6pm | - Closing day:
Mon - Admission:
Free - Transport:
Aldgate East - Photo credits:
Max Mara Art Prize for Women. Corin Sworn residency in Naples in collaboration with MADRe, July 2014. Courtesy of Collezione Maramotti.
