Richard Smith's modus operandi involves the creation and complication of portraits. The first step is to create - usually in charcoal on paper, sometimes with oil on canvas - an overwhelming, deadpan portrait. Subjects stare directly out at the viewer and, even if you catches them out of the corner of your eye, you become aware of their “presence”.
The next step in the process is to “rob” them of their power. Smith “interferes” with them by placing objects, symbols, cartoon images or icons on a grid in front of them, thereby setting up a tension between the subject and the icons placed in front of it. The subject then becomes separated from the objects in the foreground by a definite barrier.
These interference devices take on a range of forms - dots or crosses on a grid or randomly placed images that don't necessarily bear any relation to the subject. Collage plays an important role in this process - not collage in the traditional sense, for instance newspaper and printed matter, but oil paint on paper fragments, which is a signature Smith technique.
Smith's use of his particular brand of collage allows him to manipulate the medium according to his own artistic desire.
The exhibition opens at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 9 September.
iart Gallery
71 Loop Street, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0) 21 424 5150
+27 (0) 84 645 2580
For more information go to www.iart.co.za
