Jayne Anita Smith

Jayne Anita Smith’s practise considers ideas of metaphysical alienation and the complexity of our place in an increasingly concrete world. It examines the fractious mechanics of the relationship between living and being in a post-modern world, where the eternal pursuit of the sublime is often lost in a deluge of temptation and desire, exacerbated by the contemporary noise.

Smith’s paintings composed of graphite, oils, gesso and acrylic are her attempt to make sense of her own position within contemporary culture. Through her creative process Smith’s paintings start with a series of figurative drawings constructed from sinuous lines of graphite and paint. There is a pathos in these evocative vulnerable characters. Sadness, desire, death, loss and longing can be identified in her compositions, clusters and isolated characters.

Smith’s unique works are complex in origin and draw you in to their immersive worlds revealing more and more. They tell stories of being human in a complex world.  Born in London, Smith completed her BA (Hons) Fine Art at University College Falmouth and now lives and works in Penzance. She has exhibited across the UK, has been selected for the RA Summer Show 2015 and short listed for a number of prizes including the Mostyn Open and the Threadneedle Prize.

Represented in the UK by Coates and Scarry Gallery.