Corin Sworn: Silent Sticks

The fifth winner of the biennial Max Mara Art Prize for Women, Glasgow-based Corin Sworn (b. 1976) uses film and installation works which are often created through a mesh of fragmented references, suggested memories and oral histories. Her new work is inspired by the characters and tales of mistaken identity from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte theatre, performed from the 16th century by touring troupes of vagabond actors who influenced the work of Shakespeare as well as many artists from Goya to Picasso. Sworn’s installation uses performative and theatrical devices – props, lighting and costumes – to retell an infamous story of deception and imposture. As well as documenting Sworn’s new work, the publication serves to chart her journey through the prize, including detailed source material and an interview with the artist by Guest Curator Bina von Stauffenberg.