James Michael Smith is an artist based in St. Louis, Missouri, known for his distinctive work that often blends elements of abstract and figurative styles. His pieces frequently explore themes of identity, history, and the human experience, often using bold colors and dynamic compositions to evoke emotional depth.
Smith's work is marked by its use of mixed media, and he is well-regarded for his ability to merge traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities. He often incorporates a variety of materials, from paint to collage elements, which gives his work a tactile, layered feel. This layering also reflects the complex and nuanced themes he grapples with, including race, memory, and social issues.
Critics have praised his ability to create both visually striking and thought-provoking pieces. His work challenges viewers to engage with the themes on a deeper level while also appreciating the aesthetic qualities of his creations. His exhibitions are well-received, and his work has garnered attention both locally and beyond St. Louis.
In the St. Louis art scene, James Michael Smith is recognized not just for his technical skill but also for his role in contributing to conversations about cultural and societal dynamics through visual art. His pieces seem to encourage an ongoing dialogue about the intersection of art and social change, and he has built a reputation as one of the more innovative and impactful artists in the region.
"The show at the Sheldon was a revelation in St. Louis, a grounded sensibility in a flighty art environment…. . For anyone starved for the sheer sensual pleasure of paint, Smith's canvases are a feast."
Riverfront Times, Eddie Silva, 2001
"…Few can weave in and out of all these configurations so naturally and purposefully – or better yet, somehow integrate all into a specific, clear and personal type of imagery".
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Brian Smith,2001
"Smith – like Kurt Schwitters, like wonderful Anne Ryan, like Rauschenberg on a good day – brings bits and pieces of throwaway stuff together and makes art that is genuinely moving and expressive".
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Robert Duffy, 1996
"Being in a roomful of these pictures is an affecting experience, but each work individually stands firmly on its own and, in the most gentle and harmonious tones, speaks with clarity and eloquence."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Robert Duffy, 1996
"James M Smith's sculptural works at Perimeter are a special, honest statement about our relationship to the land and our ancestors. The work is different, fresh and communicates a palpable integrity."
Paul Klein, Art Letter
"Smith's way of speaking about his work lacks the hyperbole that all too often accompanies contemporary art. In a culture where transcendence is so fatuously valued, Smith's paintings are about presence".
Riverfront Times, Eddie Silva, 2001
"These works are breathtaking, somehow heartbreaking, and they will forever alter your notions of drawing in art."
Riverfront Times, Ivy Cooper, 2003
"These pieces seek to capture an immediate sense of unfinished process, clearly evidencing the maker's hand, they are magically transformed into highly sophisticated and tight compositions".
West End Word, Teresa Callahan, 2003
