Summary of the Tilda Swinton Interview in Harper’s Bazaar

This article is an interview wiht Tilda Swinton accompanying her retrospective exhibition “ONGOING” and the release of a book with the same name. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

“ONGOING” & Her Approach to Work:

* “Ongoing” as a concept: Swinton prefers this term over “career,” as it emphasizes the continuous, evolving relationships and conversations that fuel her work. It’s about the process and connections, not just a linear progression.
* Rejecting “Movie Star” label: She finds the term awkward and feels it doesn’t represent her approach to acting. She views acting as a form of writing.
* Focus on Auteur Directors: She gravitates towards directors who have full creative control and prioritizes trust, respect, and shared curiosity in her collaborations.

Her Artistic Journey & Influences:

* early aspirations as a writer: She initially pursued writing,even being accepted to Cambridge with a poem,but lost her voice and found solace in performing arts.
* From theater to film: She experimented with theatre after losing her passion for writing,then found her true calling in film through her collaboration with Derek Jarman.
* Thankfulness for multiple art forms: She finds nourishment in dance, painting, and film, seeing them as interconnected and deeply fulfilling.
* Admiration for Greta Garbo and Delphine Seyrig: She admires their natural sincerity, dignity, and understated intelligence.

Her Philosophy & Beliefs:

* Political engagement: The article notes her willingness to use her platform to express political beliefs, like criticizing Donald Trump.
* Performance art as expression: She used performance art – lying in a glass cube at MoMA – to commemorate deceased friends.
* The power of dreams: She believes dreaming pushes our minds into uncomfortable territories, making us stronger.
* Film as conversation: She views her work as a continuous conversation, with curiosity being the root, and film being the blossoming result.

In essence, the interview paints a portrait of Tilda Swinton as a deeply thoughtful and unconventional artist who prioritizes connection, collaboration, and artistic integrity over conventional notions of fame and success.

What is the focus of Tilda Swinton’s 40-year retrospective at London’s Serpentine Gallery?

Tilda Swinton: 40 Years of Reinvention – A Retrospective at London’s Serpentine Gallery

Tilda Swinton’s career is,to put it mildly,unconventional. Marking four decades as her professional acting debut – a role in Derek Jarman’s Caravaggio (1986) – the actress eschewed a typical celebratory gala for something far more…Tilda.Instead, she presented “Key Reader,” a unique project exhibition at London’s Serpentine Gallery, running from January 28th to February 29th, 2026. The exhibition wasn’t a retrospective of her filmography, but a curated collection of texts – books, scripts, letters, adn more – that have shaped her artistic journey.

Beyond the Screen: The Core of “Key Reader”

The exhibition’s premise is deceptively simple. Swinton invited visitors to quite literally read her influences. Rather than showcasing costumes or film clips, the gallery space was transformed into a reading room, filled with the materials that have resonated with her throughout her career. This included:

* Early drafts of scripts from iconic films like Orlando and Only Lovers Left Alive.

* Poetry collections by W.H. Auden and Rainer Maria Rilke, frequently cited as personal favorites.

* Letters exchanged with collaborators like Derek Jarman and Jim Jarmusch.

* Philosophical texts exploring themes of identity, gender, and performance – recurring motifs in her work.

The intention,Swinton explained in a pre-exhibition interview,was to offer a glimpse into the “internal landscape” that informs her choices as an actress. It’s a radical act of openness, particularly for an artist known for her enigmatic persona. “It’s about the things that feed the work, not the work itself,” she stated.

A Career Defined by Choice and Collaboration

Swinton’s four-decade career has been marked by a intentional refusal to be categorized. She’s seamlessly moved between independent art-house films and blockbuster franchises, always prioritizing projects that challenge her and push creative boundaries.

Her early work with Derek Jarman established her as a muse for avant-garde cinema. Films like The Last of England and The Garden showcased her willingness to experiment with gender, identity, and visual aesthetics. This collaborative spirit has continued throughout her career, leading to fruitful partnerships with directors like:

1. jim Jarmusch: Only Lovers Left Alive and Broken Flowers demonstrate a shared sensibility for understated emotion and atmospheric storytelling.
2. Wes Anderson: Her roles in The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom, and The French Dispatch highlight her ability to embody eccentric and memorable characters.
3. Bong joon-ho: Snowpiercer saw her take on a chillingly detached role, showcasing her versatility in genre filmmaking.
4. Joel and Ethan Coen: Burn After Reading provided a comedic turn, proving her range.

The Power of Independent Film & Artistic Freedom

Swinton has consistently championed independent cinema, often taking on roles with minimal financial reward but significant artistic merit. She’s been a vocal advocate for funding and support for independent filmmakers, recognizing their crucial role in fostering innovation and diversity in the industry.

This commitment extends to her own production company, Filmwave, which she co-founded to support emerging filmmakers and experimental projects. Filmwave has been instrumental in bringing unconventional voices to the forefront, providing a platform for stories that might not otherwise be told.

Swinton’s Impact on Performance Art & Visual Culture

Beyond her work in film,Swinton has a long-standing connection to performance art. She’s collaborated with artists like Cornelia Parker and Marina Abramović, often blurring the lines between acting and installation art.

One notable example is her 1995 performance piece, Persona, at the Serpentine Gallery itself. She lay motionless in a glass case for eight hours a day, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of observation and the construction of identity. This willingness to challenge conventional notions of performance has cemented her status as a groundbreaking artist.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

“Key Reader” isn’t simply a festivity of the past; it’s a statement of intent for the future. By revealing the intellectual and artistic foundations of her work, Swinton is inviting audiences to engage with her process on a deeper level.

While details of her upcoming projects remain scarce, it’s safe to assume that she will continue to defy expectations and push the boundaries of her craft. Her 40th anniversary isn’t a full stop, but rather a comma – a pause for reflection before embarking on the next, undoubtedly unpredictable, chapter. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that Tilda Swinton isn’t just an actress; she’s a cultural force, a provocateur, and a true original.