Eli Smith

September 4 – October 17, 2015
First Friday receptions: Sept. 4 and Oct. 2, 5-7pm

InLiquid presents Looking for Stillness, a solo show featuring the work of Eli Smith at the Painted Bride Art Center. Much of Smith’s art is monolithic and epic in form and style, adhering to bold imagery. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a teen, Smith shares, “It is probably from the lack of outward bodily control due to my TS that I have become fascinated with the human form, and how to express so much through posture and visual presence. With this I also weave in my experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, in which the darkness of mental imagery brought on by obsessive thoughts manifests as deep shadows and tension within the figures in my work. I want my paintings to depict brokenness as well as power, inner and outer struggle as well as perseverance.”

Smith has participated in shows throughout the region including, 2013 The Members Show, Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA; 2012 Eli Smith: Control, Class of 1956 Gallery, Newtown, PA; 2009 Summer Invitational Exhibition, Heitmann Atelier & Gallery, Lancaster, PA; and the 2007 and 2008 Annual Juried Exhibition, Aughinbaugh Gallery, Messiah College, Grantham, PA.

This exhibition is part of InLiquid’s Art For Action program, which uses art exhibitions as a platform for dialog, community events, and social awareness efforts.

Image: Eli Smith, TS sit stILL, 2012, oil on panel, 48″ x 30″.