Del 17 de marzo al 5 de junio de 2011
A Curatorship of Devotion by Daniel Lezama

This exhibition presents twenty-six paintings of small, medium, and large formats, representing the last 30 years of the career of Ray Smith, an American artist associated with neo-expressionism, surrealism, and pop art. The selection was curated by Mexican painter Daniel Lezama, who, beyond being a close friend, declares himself a devoted fan of this prolific and multifaceted draftsman, painter, and sculptor.

The artistic production of Ray Smith (Brownsville, 1959), who divides his time between New York City and Cuernavaca, reflects what cultural studies propose: through his painting practice, he addresses issues of individual and collective identity, multiculturalism, binationalism (Mexico-United States), and temporality (ancient past and contemporary world).

This exhibition showcases works from various periods and stages of Smith’s career. According to critic Erik Castillo, Smith’s paintings—often populated by women and an extensive repertoire of fantastical animals—”create the sensation that we are witnessing a vast culture closed in on itself.”

This is the first time Ray Smith’s work is exhibited individually in Guadalajara and the second time an exhibition of this distinguished artist has been held in a public venue in Mexico.