GEOFFREY TODD SMITH – LOOKER
2012-09-24Smith employs seemingly simple structures in his work. Common geometric elements, circles, ellipses, ovals and dots – inhabit a tight grid in visually confounding and colorfully explosive compositions. In addition to his signature intricate and intimate gel pen patterns atop gouache-painted shapes, Smith has begun to experiment with a variety of surfaces and paints – adding texture, dimensionality and glossy enamel – in a new series of paintings on panel.
Within Smith’s colorful, fetishistic surfaces lurks a devotion to the challenges of abstract beauty and its ability to confound expectation and provoke desire. Smith searches, meanders and daydreams to find vibrant and colorful discoveries to entice the audience, of which he is also a member. Each composition is treated like a game with self-imposed rules and limitations regarding color and form. Though there is a grid present, its rigid structure and predictability operates as a foe to Smith’s often erratic and unplanned compositions.
Opposite – Fantasy Trance, 2012
Exhibition runs through to October 20th, 2012
Western Exhibitions
845 W Washington Blvd
2nd Floor
Chicago
IL
60607
USA
