The American artist Michael E. Smith (*1977 in Detroit) creates sculptures from everyday objects. To do so, he searches for objects with unusual textures and signs of use in stores, second-hand stores and on the street.
The artist is interested in the stories that are deposited in things through everyday use. They were used and cared for by people for a while. A personal value was attributed to them, perhaps they even triggered emotions before they were given away again or carelessly dumped on the side of the road. Many objects have (pop) cultural meanings attached to them, such as cut-off dreadlocks or sneakers.
When Smith begins to prepare for an exhibition, his search for materials becomes more concrete. He visits the exhibition venue in advance to get an idea of the specific situation. He then selects items with potential for the space, even if he does not yet have a final idea of the sculptures that will be created on site. During the construction phase, Smith will create new works in Winterthur without exception. He will be guided by the atmosphere of the rooms, the architecture and the light. Often only a fraction of what he has put together in preparation will stand up to the specific context. As he himself explains, his approach is strongly "musical". To this end, he "improvises" in the style of jazz or "sampling" in hip-hop during the extensive exhibition set-up on site. Smith writes songs for the museum room by room, so to speak, which combine to form a soundtrack in the exhibition.
February 3 to April 28, 2024
