Frances McDormand's latest artistic endeavour, a collaboration with conceptual artist Suzanne Bocanegra, has shed new light on the Shakers, a Christian sect known for their simple, communal lifestyle and ecstatic worship. The exhibition, "Cradled," features adult-sized cradles, which were used by the Shakers to comfort the elderly and infirm, offering a poignant reminder of the group's values of care and compassion.
The project is not a performance, but an immersive experience that invites visitors to engage with the space and its themes. McDormand and Bocanegra aim to create a sense of calm and contemplation, encouraging audiences to slow down and appreciate the beauty in simplicity. The exhibition's focus on utility and functionality, rather than decoration, is a key aspect of the Shaker ethos, as explained by museum curator Sharon Koomler.
"We want people to feel free to be comfortable and sit," Bocanegra notes. "The audience decides how much time they want to spend with the piece, and we try to make this installation the kind of thing where you feel welcome and can contemplate." McDormand adds that she is "Shaker-adjacent" in spirit, embracing the community's values and ethos, even if not necessarily adhering to their theology.
The Shakers were known for their practicality and self-sufficiency, often creating innovative products, such as the 1960s Barbie doll dressed in a custom Shaker outfit. Their commitment to charity and helping those in need is also evident in their surplus production and community support.
"Cradled" runs until January 4th at Hauser & Wirth in Los Angeles.
The project is not a performance, but an immersive experience that invites visitors to engage with the space and its themes. McDormand and Bocanegra aim to create a sense of calm and contemplation, encouraging audiences to slow down and appreciate the beauty in simplicity. The exhibition's focus on utility and functionality, rather than decoration, is a key aspect of the Shaker ethos, as explained by museum curator Sharon Koomler.
"We want people to feel free to be comfortable and sit," Bocanegra notes. "The audience decides how much time they want to spend with the piece, and we try to make this installation the kind of thing where you feel welcome and can contemplate." McDormand adds that she is "Shaker-adjacent" in spirit, embracing the community's values and ethos, even if not necessarily adhering to their theology.
The Shakers were known for their practicality and self-sufficiency, often creating innovative products, such as the 1960s Barbie doll dressed in a custom Shaker outfit. Their commitment to charity and helping those in need is also evident in their surplus production and community support.
"Cradled" runs until January 4th at Hauser & Wirth in Los Angeles.
anyway i think it's kinda cool that Frances McDormand is getting involved with some new artist chick - sounds like they're trying to bring some positive vibes into the art world 
and it's dope that these artists are tryin' to recreate that feeling for us. not sure if i'd wanna spend a whole day in one of them cradles tho 
and whats with Frances McDormand being "Shaker-adjacent"? is she just trying to cash in on some nostalgic vibes or somethin'? i need some solid proof that this isnt just a publicity stunt... give me some sources, girl! 
... like, who wouldn't want to be comforted by a giant cradle? it's all about slowing down and appreciating the simple things in life, am i right? 
i love how they're creating this sense of calm and contemplation, its like they want us to take a deep breath and just... be 
just saw that the exhibition "Cradled" has a limited capacity, so you're gonna have to get there early or book it like 2 months in advance if you wanna see Frances McDormand's latest collab with Suzanne Bocanegra... and honestly, I'm not even sure if it's worth it... what's the point of sitting in a cradle all day? 
. It's interesting how they're focusin' on utility over decoration – it feels like a breath of fresh air in an industry that's always tryin' to make things more Instagrammable 
. And I love that McDormand is embracin' her "Shaker-adjacent" spirit – who says you gotta be born into the faith to appreciate its values? Maybe this exhibition is just what we need to shake off some of our own stress and anxiety 
It's kinda cool that Frances McDormand and Suzanne Bocanegra are trying to bring some Shaker vibes to the art world. I love how they're not making it a performance, but more of an experience where you can just relax and be uncomfortable (in a good way, obvi). The idea of slowing down and appreciating simplicity is definitely something we could all use more of in our chaotic lives 
Like, what if people take it too literally and start crying in the middle of the space? 
On the other hand, the Shakers' values of community and self-sufficiency are really inspiring. I wish they had done more to showcase their innovative products - that 1960s Barbie doll is straight fire 
. But overall, "Cradled" seems like a great way to slow down and appreciate the beauty in simplicity... or maybe it's just too slow? 
, I'm loving this exhibit! It's so calming and peaceful, you know? The cradles are literally the most beautiful thing I've seen in ages. I love how it's not a performance but an actual space for people to relax and be comfortable. It's like they're saying, "Hey, slow down and enjoy the simplicity of life." I'm totally Shaker-adjacent too 
. The way they've incorporated these giant cradles into the space is like, so intentional and thoughtful. It's not just some random installation, but actually something that invites you to slow down and be present.
But seriously, this exhibition is about more than just aesthetics. It's about exploring these values of care and compassion that the Shakers were all about. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we can appreciate beauty in simplicity" and I'm totally here for that.
But seriously, it shows that they were all about self-sufficiency and community support.
We're all so busy and stressed out, do we really need to slow down even more?
. The way Suzanne Bocanegra and Frances McDormand are using art to explore these themes is genius, in my humble opinion 
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. It's not just about looking at art, but also about experiencing the emotions and feelings behind it 
. Can't wait to check out "Cradled" when it opens at Hauser & Wirth LA! 
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