Oscar-winner brings star power to Dunedin gallery

Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton has paid a flying visit to Dunedin supporting an exhibition by her artist partner.

Swinton and visual artist Sandro Kopp, of Scotland, spoke at Kopp's exhibition preview at Milford Galleries in Dunedin yesterday.

Milford Galleries Dunedin manager Jacqui Tohill said yesterday’s exhibition opening went very well.

It was Kopp’s second solo show at the gallery and there was an added element of excitement because he brought his partner this year.

"But we're here for Sandro's art."

She said Swinton and Kopp gave a talk last night for the collectors who came to the opening.

"Being in a relationship gives them a different concept of the ‘making process’. So being able to share that with everybody was great."

Kopp said last night "was a banger".

The 14 pieces for the show, titled "What You See Is What You Get", while abstract, were based on years and years of very rigorous figurative practice, Kopp said.

"They're really about making something extremely human and something that's very, very intuitive. And I hope that they just spread inspiration and joy.

"I'm super pleased with the show and I'm really privileged to be here in Dunedin. I love it." 

Swinton won the Oscar for best supporting actress for playing a general counsel in the legal thriller Michael Clayton (2007).

She is also well known for her role as the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia series.