Rising Tides, et cetera, etc

Oil on Canvas

20" x 20"

ABOUT THE WORK (Still Afloat series)

The cognitive dissonance experienced in the world today is powerful and destructive. The reality and reactions are all too apparent when addressing the Patriarchy, climate change, never-ending war, neglect towards mental health, and a general indifference to the suffering of others. This body of work asks why we seem to ignore causality and dysfunctional systems.

The metaphors conjured by the objects convey threats to the community, sneaking paranoia and disruption of power of the few holding it. Sad flaccid golden dicks in worn-out glory holes, vengeful sabertooth skulls and abandoned safety devices speak to the opulence of power structures that were and the growing acceptance of failed systems and the apathy they breed. These pieces strive to lay bare the imbalance and derangement we have come to see as commonplace.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Andrew Smenos was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He received his BFA from The Ringling College of Art and Design. His work is held in private and public collections nationally and has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Daily Beast and ArtInfo. He had a solo exhibition “Still Afloat” at Established Gallery in 2021 and has participated in many group exhibitions from 2010 to present in New York, Florida, Texas, and California. He lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.