Adam Parker Smith is the New York-based artist best known for his satiric sculptures depicting whimsical subjects such as humanoid cacti and swimming pool floats. At first glance, Smith’s three-dimensional objects appear playful, but are imbued with darker messaging and touch on socio-political issues such as environmental pollution and global warming.
Smith is currently displaying a selection of Sarcophagi statues that recall extravagant burial rites and resemble sub-zero sleeping bags. Presented as part of a solo exhibition entitled “Standing on the Moon,” these humanoid objects may look soft to touch, but they are crafted using unlikely materials such as resin, steel and urethane. With these conceptual pieces, the artist continues to spark dialogue on worldwide pollution.
“Adam considers the synthetic materials of today’s objects—such as mylar balloons, pool floats, and the polyester down of sleeping bags—which will inevitably outlast any individual experience, and even societal lifetimes, as these objects scatter indiscriminately through landfills across the globe,” as per a statement by the gallery.
There is also an interplay between history and science-fiction as Smith merges the silhouettes of ancient coffins with otherworldly color choice observed on the totemic figures — shiny gradients that recall sunsets and celestial phenomena. “Standing on the Moon” is on view through August 8. Head to The Hole’s website for more information.
For more conceptual works, check out Ai Weiwei’s “Marbre, Porcelaine, LEGO” at Paris’ Galerie Max Hetzler.
The Hole
312 Bowery
New York, NY 10012
