With a combination of graphic design, photography, art, fabrics and metalwork, David B. Smith converses with the audience.

In his art, “re(Play),” a sculptural installation, which uses fabric-based photo-sculpture, installation and sound performances. Smith uses Photoshop and tapestries to make strange abstract sculptures.

ETSU Department of Art and Design and the Arts Fund from East Tennessee Foundation Student Activities Allocation Committee (SAAC) and Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Project Support (APS) grant sponsored the gallery.

The gallery was presented from Aug. 23 to Sept. 14. It was open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Slocumb Galleries at Ball Hall. The curator of Slocumb Galleries is Karlota Contreras-Koterbay.

The pieces were named “Computer,” “Double Nickel,” “Inside Out,” “SFTS,” “Three Bodies,” “Ways of Being,” “Mr. Pink,” “Deranged Drop,” “Unseen,” “Smoke Warrior,” “Collective Dream,” “Cityscape,” “Coinfield,” “Triad,” “Ghost 128,” “Aguia Azelca,” “Psychic Amnesia,” “Being 2,” “Small Flag,” “Defender Zero,” “Three Spirit,” “Mask,” “Cloud Map,” “Forest Nymph,” “Mined Mallard,” “Underneath,” “Digital Skin,” “The Space Between” and ”Open Architecture.”

The pieces were made of cotton, polyester, thread, metal, dye, hardware, vinyl and metal.

Photo taken at the “re(Play)” exhibit. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

The piece, “Three Bodies,” was an interactive piece. Audience members could gently interact with the pieces on the wall and floor.

The closing ceremony was on Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. Food and drinks were provided. The presentation started at 5:30 p.m.

The Department of Art and faculty introduced the guests of honor Dr. Leah Adinolfi, ETSU dean of student engagements, and Smith, the artist of the pieces.

Adinolfi talked about how the arts and the gallery impacted the students.

Photo taken at the “re(Play)” exhibit. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

“Students are getting something from this space,” said Adinolfi, “Allowing students to engage with the art and the artists.”

She brought and talked about student testimonies after viewing the art. She told stories and quoted students on how the art made them feel.

Smith then told his process of making the art. Smith went through a lot of pain like injustice, poverty, suicide, segregation, suffering, loss and violence. He used art as a way to express his emotions and connectivity. He said he was inspired by his grandparents and his grandmother’s love for homemade crafts. Smith emphasized the importance of tradition and expression, especially in these pieces.

“It is about creating a space with conversation looking inward and meditating on the experience where they came from and where they are going,” said Smith.

To view more of Smith’s art, visit www.thedavidsmith.com.

 

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