Adam Parker Smith’s work explores themes of appropriation, humour and counterfeits by recasting classic forms and familiar objects. Parker’s ‘creative borrowing’ intends to invite debate on community and collaboration. The interplay of Renaissance forms with present day goods in ‘Contrapposto Pool Float’ raises questions about our relationships with objects, the lifespan of synthetic materials and their environmental impact. The work reflects upon the history of art and appropriation with humor and wit with a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ interplay of high and low culture.
The artist begins with a temporary, hand-made mylar balloon sculpture based in the form he is looking to create. He then takes a 3D scan of the temporary sculpture and produces a resin print from which he makes a traditional mould for the final form. The materials are utherane, fibreglass, steel, jute and resin.
Born 1978 in California, Parker Smith currently resides in NY. He earned an MFA in painting from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, MFA Painting in 2003. His recent major exhibitions have been at The Hole and leading international art fairs such as ZonaMaco and Art Basel Miami.