Nyugen Smith, paintings, sculptures, performances.
About:
“My practice investigates the impacts of European colonialism on the African diaspora with a focus on the West Indies. Working with the collections has given me the unique opportunity to have a dialog with the represented artists through their work. Together we examine the psychological implications, amalgamation of language, customs, architecture, etiquette, race, distribution of power and wealth within sociopolitical constructs which share similar origins.”
Sound of hallowed halls, 2013
Nyugen E. Smith was born in Jersey City, NJ to his Trinidadian mother and Haitian father in 1976. He spent his formative years living with extended family in Trinidad. Smith earned his BA in Fine Art from Seton Hall University and has studied painting and drawing at Studio Arts Centers International in Florence, Italy. His practice is interdisciplinary with emphasis in found object assemblage, drawing and performance. His most recent exhibitions include Biennial of Contemporary Art in Martinique and an installation at SCOPE International Art Fair Special Projects. Smith has exhibited widely in galleries and museums in the United States and internationally. He has participated in panel discussions/artist talks at Studio Museum Harlem, Aljira: A Center for Contemporary Art, Cooper Union, Seton Hall University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, among others. Smith lives and works in Jersey City, New Jersey.
(text Ramapo College, New Jersey)
