KIKI SMITH (1954-)
“One hopes that each piece contains enough space for several narratives.” – Kiki Smith
Kiki Smiths work around the subject of anatomy addresses the issues of the human body by unraviling its fuctions and delving in to its mysteries. Her work lays bare the body and its parts for the viewer’s contemplation from the abject body and the the fragmented body – the two most inspiring series’ for my own research. The distinctiveness of Smith’s anatomies is their appearance, the selected bodily parts appear both cryptic and familiar to the viewer, as they depict their intial stance and shape that we recognise, yet they exude a sense of morbidity – as they depict notions of once living but appear dead concurrently.
Smith’s work asks for understanding and acceptance of the facts of our physical being. She objectifies skin, bones, and flesh with tender and unflinching honesty. When viewing these forms, Smith reminds us that the human form is beautiful but relatively fragile compared to our surroundings.
KAYLEIGH ADAMS 