Books in the MCL: Swoon. The Red Skein
- Book review by Brooklyn Street Art
- BSA
- Martha Cooper Library
- MCL
- January 8, 2025
The Red Skein. Swoon. 2023
In “The Red Skein,” Swoon (Caledonia Curry) thoroughly examines her artistic work over the past decade, encompassing both her street art and studio pieces. The book, spanning 224 pages and containing over 200 color images, is a detailed account of Swoon’s contributions to street art and related fields. It includes contributions from notable writers and critics, such as Dr. Gabor Maté, RJ Rushmore, Melena Ryzik, Jerry Saltz, Pedro Alonzo, Jeffrey Deitch, and Judy Chicago, offering a multifaceted analysis of Swoon’s career.
The book is structured as a visual compilation and a narrative documenting Swoon’s artistic development. It covers her pioneering efforts in street art, studio work, animation projects, and community initiatives, providing insight into her innovative techniques and wide-ranging influence. The title, “The Red Skein,” draws on the mythological concept of Ariadne’s thread, symbolizing the complex trajectory of Swoon’s career and the interconnections within her work.
Dr. Gabor Maté’s introduction frames the book with a focus on the therapeutic aspects of Swoon’s art, suggesting a broader context of art as a means of personal and collective healing. Subsequent essays provide various critical perspectives on Swoon’s work. RJ Rushmore examines the technical and aesthetic advancements in Swoon’s street art. Melena Ryzik discusses the social impact of her community projects, such as the Konbit Shelter and efforts in Braddock, Pennsylvania. Jerry Saltz addresses the significance of Swoon’s art within the contemporary art landscape, and Pedro Alonzo explores its cultural implications. Contributions from Jeffrey Deitch and Judy Chicago highlight the intersection of street art and institutional recognition.
The visual documentation in “The Red Skein” offers a comprehensive overview of Swoon’s artistic evolution, with photographs of her street installations, gallery exhibitions, and public art projects. The images are selected to illustrate the development of her style and thematic interests, from early paper portraits to recent large-scale installations and animations.Additionally, Swoon’s essay, “Persephone, Medea, Hecate: Constructing a Crossroads for Art and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,” provides a reflective account of her personal experiences and the role of art in her life. This piece contributes to a deeper understanding of the motivations behind her work.
Overall, “The Red Skein” functions as both a comprehensive retrospective and an analysis of Swoon’s integration of artistic practice with social activism. It serves as an important resource for those studying the intersection of street art and social change, presenting a detailed portrayal of Swoon’s influence in the field.
Text: Steven P. Harrington and Jaime Rojo Fotos: Sebastian Kläbsch