Swoon's Rise to Fame
Swoon, born Caledonia Curry in 1977, grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her journey into the art world began in the streets of New York City, where she moved in the late 1990s. Unlike many artists who start in conventional studios, Swoon's canvas was the urban landscape itself. She embraced the ephemeral nature of street art, knowing that her creations might be temporary but the impact they left was lasting.
“Sometimes in life you are born feeling like a bit of an outsider. When that happens you realise that you have to kind of cut your own path in life”
Swoon in her New York studio, Image via New York Times
Her rise to fame can be traced back to her unique style and the narratives embedded in her work. Using a technique known as wheat-pasting, she began to create large-scale paper cutouts that were affixed to buildings and structures throughout the city. The intricacy of her designs, often depicting human figures in states of vulnerability and resilience, drew immediate attention.
What set Swoon apart was not only her artistic skill but also her dedication to addressing social issues. Her work became a form of public discourse, commenting on topics such as homelessness, climate change, and the human condition. In a world often saturated with messages, Swoon's art cut through the noise, provoking thought and inspiring conversation.
Edeline
2020
Pigment print on paper
43 x 48 cm
Numbered edition of 250
£250
Also available unframed for £200
One of Swoon's most celebrated projects is the "Swimming Cities," a series of elaborate rafts and boats constructed from salvaged materials. These floating sculptures became a metaphor for the transient nature of life, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and community. The project garnered international acclaim and solidified Swoon's reputation as a visionary artist unafraid to push the boundaries of conventional art.
Braddock Steel Variant (Purple Ink)
2019
Hand embellished three colour silkscreen on paper
58 x 46 cm
Signed by the artist
Unique within a series of 5
£1,500
As Swoon continued to make waves in the art world, her work caught the eye of both the public and fellow artists. She collaborated with renowned creators like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, further cementing her place in the contemporary art scene. Galleries around the world began to showcase her pieces, and her work found a home in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Brooklyn Museum.
Mortimer and Jenkins
2012
Etching on paper
53.5 x 70 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 45
£550
Extraordinary Objects houses a variety of works by Swoon, including Braddock Steel Variant (Purple Ink) and Edeline in multiple sizes. To view these works visit us at 14 Green Street, Extraordinary Objects, or view our selection of contemporary works online.