Kris Smith is an artist with a longstanding interest in the rhythm and visual poetry of natural light, and our place within the landscape. Be absorbed by expansive ideas of time, light, and the sublime in this
display of still images and video works.
The artworks presented are mainly in the form of synchronised screen compositions, but also included is a large-scale projection made up of 70 panels, each showing different aspects and time slices of abstract details of a still life. These details are slowly changing as the sun passes across the sky.Another work invites us to contemplate geological time as we observe a time-lapse triptych of a snow-capped mountain.
Also featured is a wall of small images depicting minuscule, coloured cubes swept by a single vertical moving shadow (cast by the sun over a period of four seasons). This particular work honours the cumulative effect of spending a small amount of time on a range of activities chosen for their personal significance. This exhibition was first held at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Exhibition Video
About the Artists
Kris Smith’s expertise includes photography, digital multimedia, painting and printmaking.
Images from his portfolio have been showcased at such venues as the Pearl Street Gallery, Brooklyn New York; Wieliczka Gallery, Poland; Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA); The Art Gallery of NSW; Maitland Regional Art Gallery; Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery; the University of North Carolina and the SMARTlab, University of East London.
Artistic style and influences: Kris has an ongoing interest in the rhythm and visual poetry of natural light. Using time-lapse photography, the path of the sun and the consequent changing colour temperature of light throughout a day is documented in a range of environments. Photographs and digital animations are constructed that emphasise these qualities of light and the impact of apparently subtle changes that occur over time.These images are presented as a combination of digital prints and digital projections. Underpinning the works are studies of pre-cinema time-lapse photography, for example the work of physician and physiologist Etienne-Jules Marey, and post-cinema modernist films of the 1920’s investigating time as a fourth dimension in art. Contemporary artists such as Michael Wesely, Bill Viola, and David Claerbout are also key influences.
About the Curators
Kim Blunt, Senior Curator, Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Supporting Materials
Exhibition Tour ManualInstallation Support AvailablePublic Program OpportunitiesSignage
Original exhibition curation and presentation by Maitland Regional Art Gallery, with special thanks to senior curator Kim Blunt, and exhibition officer Linden Pomaré
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