Biography

Emily Mae Smith, born in 1979, is an American visual artist known for her innovative and thought-provoking paintings. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Smith's work is characterized by its sly humor and engaging compositions that draw inspiration from art historical movements such as Greek Mythology and Surrealism, yet with a modern twist. Her paintings are rich with signs and symbols that address contemporary issues like gender, class, and violence, often challenging the traditional phallocentric narratives found in art history. Smith's work is particularly noted for its feminist perspective, creating imagery that highlights and questions the absence of certain subjectivities in visual culture. Her genre-defying approach has garnered significant attention and her pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their unique ability to blend historical references with modern social commentary. Through her art, Smith continues to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about representation and identity in the visual arts.