Posted on
2013-03-18
Acutely aware of his status as an immigrant artist, Smith was inspired by trips back to Jamaica, as well as research into its history and that of the broader African diaspora. Interested in ideas of hierarchy, culture, and identity, both as fact and nostalgic reimagining, his sources range from his own contemporary photographs to historical images and books, such as Tropical Africa and The River Plate Republics: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, c. 1960s Time-Life publications.
A bold sequence of large oil paintings and smaller painted works on paper depict Jamaican airport workers as they work, converse, and mill about the tarmac. On his most recent trip, the artist was struck by these almost invisible first ambassadors of sorts, one of many crucial aspects to his native country’s biggest industry. Rendered simply and boldly in poses summoning classic references as well as Jamaica’s famously relaxed style, the figures are elevated to epic proportions. Their bright safety vests and simple uniforms hint at a common dignity while contrasting boldly with the very dark skin hues that the artist prefers: “Their tonality casts a distinction around the surrounding environment of a piece.”
These painted works contrast with unique, jewel-like “picotages.” Smith uses a ceramic tool to laboriously pick away at the surface material of photographic prints, a unique technique loosely derived from an 18th century French process typically used with textiles. Though the process is purely ablative, the resultant texture creates a shimmering surface, as if flecked with glitter.
Exhibition runs through to April 20th, 2013
ZieherSmith
516 West 20th St
New York
NY
10011
www.ziehersmith.com
