At the center of Smith’s work is Black representation. Smith depicts the black experience, identity, language, and culture in a range of mediums, including collage mixed media, performance, video, sound, and assemblage. In his most recent work, Smith reimagines Black identity in classical art through abstract figurative painting. Drawing inspiration from iconic works like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and American Gothic by Grant Wood, the artist infuses figurative portraits with a modern vitality, challenging viewers to reconsider the erasure of Black figures in historical art narratives. By referencing well-known classics, the artist challenges both the conventions of those works and the art history that has consistently marginalized Black figures. These paintings are a reclamation of visibility—both an act of critique and an assertion of power. With every brushstroke, the artist forces a conversation about representation, inviting viewers to rethink the portrayal of Black individuals in art. The artist’s thick application of paint creates a sense of energy and presence, transforming the traditional into something raw and expressive. The figures subtly emerge from the canvas with a sense of force and tension, emphasizing the complex and multifaceted nature of Black identity. This isn’t just about representing Blackness; it’s about claiming a space in art history that’s long been denied.
Paintings Referenced
Madonna Litta by unknown (possibly Leonardo da Vinci) c. 1490
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci c. 1506
Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer c. 1665
Judith Beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio c. 1600
David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio c. 1600
Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi c. 1620
American Gothic by Grant Wood 1930