David B. Smith will be giving an artist’s walkthrough of his art exhibition titled “(re)Play” in the Dowd Gallery on February 13th at 2 pm.
I did take some time last Friday to view the exhibition. Even though I had to walk there in -18 degrees, it definitely worth it as I found the exhibition very much enjoyable. I had never viewed an art exhibition before so I didn’t know what to expect. This was a particularly perfect time for me to view an art exhibition for me because it was so cold outside that no one else was around and I got to view the exhibition all by myself.
Also, several of Smith’s pieces are “interactive installations” that allow the viewer to touch and interact with the art. This was perfect for my first time as it ensured that I stayed engaged and connected to the art and fully appreciate it.
Smith says, “During the pandemic, we were separated from communal spaces and lost connection to each other, to our somatic experience, and the practice of interaction and improvisation. By re-introducing my earlier interactive installations, visitors are encouraged to come out of their shells and rediscover their joy and curiosity and through presenting my intricate collages, soft sculptures, and photographic weavings, I want to share my vulnerability and creativity by offering a visual, communal meeting place for others to explore theirs.”
Smith has several pieces that are very intricate and it’s clear to see the time and craftsmanship that he put into them. But, Smith also has art that appears much more simple and thrown together. I admittedly don’t know much about art but I do know many critics of modern art question whether much of it is “truly art” because of this simplicity. This is not a perspective I personally subscribe to as I try and see the beauty in everything. Mainly because I find it more fun and also find it makes life much easier. Rather than questioning whether something “is art or not”, I found that viewing an everyday item in the context of an art gallery shifted my perspective and made me appreciate aspects of the art that I otherwise wouldn’t in everyday life. The interactive element of some of the art added another dimension to my appreciation, as I went in assuming that I wasn’t supposed to touch any of the art, but I ended up being encouraged to do so. I found all of the art to be incredible and my personal favorite pieces would have to be “Three Bodies”, “Mined Mallard” and “Lumps and Bumps”, which was especially fun to play with.
The title “re(Play)” was representative of my experience, as I felt encouraged to view things from a more child-like perspective, use my senses and “play” again. Smith has said that “re(Play)” was an inspired response to the pandemic and to me, it represented an opportunity for us to start over, view the world from a fresh perspective, and also gain more appreciation for the world around us.
(re)Play