Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Art and Design will host an exhibit featuring guest artist Tony Smith on March 6-29. The exhibit will be on display in the second floor Rosemary Gossett Adams Gallery in Moses-Provine Hall. It will coincide with another guest exhibit, “Abstract ARt,” which will be in the first floor gallery. Both exhibits will explore some of the same artistic themes represented in abstract art; they are both free and open to the public.

Smith is a painter based in Liverpool, England. His most recent work focuses on a playful spatial construction that plays off of the differences in color and strokes used. The paintings are composed of chaotic marks that “reveal the paintings being an ongoing ontological event,” Smith said. Noting that his paintings rarely feel truly finished, Smith said he often continues his paintings after a months-long break. Smith also seeks to avoid repetitious or signature marks in his paintings.

In addition to his unique methods, Smith often works on several paintings at the same time, and his work often reflects his bouncing among several different canvases. Each of his works shows a great deal of experimenting with the paint’s application from dripping, scraping or pouring the pigment.

Several Ouachita students, including some art and design majors, have studied abroad at Liverpool Hope University, where Smith teaches. This exhibit will allow the two programs to strengthen their relationship.

“I am glad to be making a connection between our two programs,” explained Donnie Copeland, chair of the Department of Art and Design. “I was able to visit last spring and show a few of my paintings in their Cornerstone Gallery at their Creative Campus. While there, I met Tony and took a tour of Liverpool with him that included a visit to his studio.”

Smith graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with an undergraduate degree in fine arts. He also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition to painting, Smith is a drummer and has performed in several major recording studios including BBC Maida Vale Studios. He also regularly performs at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, where he is a long-term resident. Smith is a full-time lecturer and curator for Liverpool Hope University’s Cornerstone Gallery. He has curated several art exhibitions in Europe including “The Baltic Frame” and “A Painter’s Glance.”

This exhibit will be held in the second floor Rosemary Gossett Adams Gallery in Moses-Provine Hall on Ouachita Baptist University’s campus. Regular gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Donnie Copeland at [email protected] or (870) 245-5559.

 

By Katie Smith

March 2, 2017