Shinique Smith
Splendid, 2014
Shinique Smith: Bright Matter – MFA Boston Sweeping calligraphic and collaged paintings along with large-scale sculptures of recycled garments come together in ‘Shinique Smith: BRIGHT MATTER’ at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). August 23, 2014 – March 1, 2015.]]>
Source: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
In addition to this survey of 30 abstract works by Shinique Smith (American, born 1971) at the MFA, the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy has commissioned a mural by the artist, a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), to be unveiled in Boston’s downtown Dewey Square in September. The MFA exhibition—which includes 14 new works—reflects an essential aspect of Smith’s practice: how to visually manifest emotional connection, belief and the resilience of human energy through gestures and materials that shape daily life. Her work is an embodiment of the powerful spectrum of expression that, for Smith, “leans toward joy.” On view in the Museum’s Henry and Lois Foster Gallery (August 23, 2014-March 1, 2015), the exhibition includes painting, sculpture, site-specific installations, video and performance.
“Shinique Smith’s creations are inspiring,” said Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director at the MFA. “It is exciting to welcome this SMFA alumna back to Boston for her first New England exhibition and to connect the energy of her work with the city through the Greenway mural.”
Smith has worked closely with the MFA since 2012 to develop the exhibition. The 14 new works that are debuting allow Smith to realize projects that she’s long been developing and to expand in new directions. New paintings that reflect her experience growing up in the 1980s include “Splendid” (2014), which features a palette of crisp turquoise with white, pink and black accents that reflect the popular product colors of Smith’s teen years, centered by an effervescent web of scrunched fabric and ribbon braids. Likewise, “Inner Clock” (2014) charts days from girlhood to adulthood, with the arm of a mannequin set to spin to keep time. Mylar birthday balloons, pink fuzzy boas, a purple-haired doll, ripped jeans, composition notebooks and a sweatshirt saying, “HEART and SOUL” mark passing years and colorful memories.
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