‘Ongoing’: Tilda Swinton’s intimate revelations on her art and close collaborations
Ongoing: Tilda Swinton’s intimate revelations on her art and close collaborations
Ongoing – Athens is set to host its debut major showcase dedicated to the acclaimed artist and performer Tilda Swinton, whose film work has consistently enthralled global audiences. The exhibition, titled Ongoing, features a diverse array of personal items, vintage photographs, and cinematic moments that trace her illustrious career. These artifacts serve as a visual narrative, highlighting the deep creative bonds and friendships she has cultivated over four decades with a select group of cinematic and fashion pioneers: Pedro Almodóvar, Luca Guadagnino, Jim Jarmusch, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Tim Walker, Joanna Hogg, Olivier Saillard, and Derek Jarman. The project is a joint effort between the Onassis Stegi and Amsterdam’s Eye Filmmuseum, where the exhibition first premiered.
A Unique Artistic Perspective
At the exhibition’s opening, Swinton reflected on the nature of memory, her creative methodology, and the life lessons that have shaped her work. “I realized that my role – or rather the chance I was given, rooted in the time I came into the industry – is to embody a distinct approach to artistry,” she remarked. “Initially, I worked within collective frameworks, collaborating with a circle of artists, not only the director Derek Jarman but also others who embraced a spirit of shared creation. The process, rather than the final product, was the focus, and that allowed me to discuss these dynamics, share this model, and acknowledge that such collaborative environments are increasingly rare for today’s artists.”
Swinton emphasized how young creators often begin with a network of support, whether through personal connections, familial ties, or institutional frameworks like universities or art schools. “Once they’ve established their first work – be it a film, a book, or a fashion collection – they’re frequently nudged by labels, galleries, or studios to become self-reliant,” she added. “This shift transforms the artist into a marketable entity, and I felt that my exhibition at the Eye Filmmuseum could offer a counterpoint to this trend. It’s a chance to present an alternative vision of artistic practice, one that mirrors my own journey and challenges the current emphasis on individualism.”
The Collaborative Spirit
Swinton’s career has been defined by partnerships that blur the lines between artist, collaborator, and muse. She invites visitors to explore the moments that have defined her path, from her early collaborations with Derek Jarman across seven of his feature films to her recent work with Pedro Almodóvar. These relationships, she notes, are not merely transactional but are rooted in mutual trust and the exchange of ideas. “Every project I’ve been part of is the result of a collective effort,” she explained. “Art is not the product of a single voice but an ongoing dialogue between individuals, where roles shift and inspiration is co-created.”
The exhibition frames her work as an evolving conversation, a dynamic exchange that has sustained her artistic vision. Swinton sees this as more than a nostalgic look back; it’s a celebration of her contemporaries and a testament to the enduring value of collaboration. “This isn’t a retrospective,” she clarified. “It’s an invitation to witness how art thrives through shared responsibility, how the act of creation is as much about companionship as it is about craft.” She described the exhibition as a “navigational chart” for a generation that often prioritizes solo achievement over communal growth.
Shared Responsibility and the Art of Connection
Swinton’s reflections on collaboration extend beyond the visual arts. She described her creative process as akin to hosting a gathering, where the energy is distributed among all participants. “Derek Jarman once said, “Get ready to go on set as if you were going to a party,” and that encapsulates the spirit of the work I’ve been involved in,” she shared. “A successful collaboration isn’t about one person dictating the atmosphere. It’s about everyone contributing, whether it’s through storytelling, direction, or design. The music, the food, the conversation – these are all part of the collective effort.”
Swinton also highlighted the importance of trust in these relationships. “The role of the artist isn’t always to be the central figure,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about stepping back, allowing others to lead, and being open to the unexpected. This sense of shared ownership isn’t just about the final product; it’s about how the work is made, how ideas are refined, and how creativity is nurtured through dialogue.” She added that while authorship remains a key element, the process of co-creation often feels more authentic.
As the exhibition travels to new venues, Swinton anticipates further enrichment with additional material. “I don’t seek roles out of necessity,” she said. “I’m drawn to people and the possibilities they offer. Often, I find myself at the kitchen table, brainstorming with friends about what we might do next. At times, there’s no role for me, and I step aside. Other times, the role emerges naturally, and I’m ready to take it.” She described the artists in her circle as “individuals who are eager to engage in the conversation, each bringing a unique lens to the process.”
A New Chapter in Artistic Dialogue
The exhibition also includes a fresh contribution from director Luca Guadagnino, who has crafted a deeply personal portrait of Swinton in the form of a short film and a sculptural piece. These works, alongside the existing artifacts, add a new layer to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the evolving nature of her artistic identity. “Guadagnino’s portrayal is both intimate and expansive,” said Swinton. “It captures not just who I am, but how I’ve grown through these partnerships.”
Swinton’s reflections underscore a broader theme: the interplay between personal expression and collective creation. She sees her exhibition as a bridge between past and present, a reminder that art is not just a solitary act but a shared experience. “What we’ve witnessed here is a way of working that values trust, flexibility, and the joy of coexistence,” she concluded. “It’s a model that still has relevance, even in today’s fast-paced, individualistic world. I hope it inspires others to see art as an act of companionship, not just competition.”
