Adrian Smith
A self-titled series of paintings.
My self-titled watercolor series is about self-identification. I have six total works in varying sizes. This series was the progression of me getting loose with applying paint and making the colors saturated and vibrant. My Pieces are different in concept individually, but as a whole, they all relate to me.
Libra
All of my life, I have always been sensitive, but I then and now can hide my emotions. I have always been caring and able to give my undivided attention, but I have low self-esteem, making me dependent on others. So, the Libra sign is represented by the scales. In this piece, I am the scales, surrounded by the constellations of my intermediate family members as a metaphor for the people I depend on in the background.
Nefertiti
This piece is about me going back to my roots. Currently, circa 2017, black people are becoming aware of how they are supposed to be treated. One thing we, as a group, call each other black queens and kings. So, in this piece, I placed myself in the place of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. Cleopatra Is Cliché!
Put On A Brave Face
This piece is about my ability to control and hide my emotions. This piece came about when my older sister, who I am very reliant on, had a seizure recently in front of my young nephew and niece. The night the accident took place, I was called to calm my nephew down, and even though I was upset and unaware of her condition, I had to “put on a brave face” for my nephew.
Black Card Revoked
This piece is about my connection with media and life. Being an African American in this day and age, you automatically come with a set of expectations. Being in the black community, you must have consumed certain media and eaten certain foods. Since I haven’t watched most “Black” movies or listened to much circa 2016 rap music, I got my black card taken. So, in the painting, I am holding a literal black card, but as my hand gets closer to the card, my hand is turning to a Caucasian skin tone.
Flaws
This concept has four pieces, including a preview of my teeth in three different ways and a painting of my toes. My teeth are essential to being me, but they are also my top insecurity. My front row of teeth does not connect, which makes it difficult for me to eat or speak. I painted myself smiling, showing my teeth, which usually never happens unless I am alone. In the next painting, I painted myself smiling regularly, showing my top teeth. I painted a view of myself making a funny face and showing my bottom teeth.
The big toe on my right foot is shorter than my other big toe, which is also a significant insecurity. It doesn’t make walking difficult, but It is rare to see me wearing open-toed shoes. My skin color in the painting is slightly darker towards the legs, but I transition to lighter skin because of the lack of sun on my feet.