Kiki Smith
Kiki Smith
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Kiki Smith is a American artist known professionally as Kiki Smith.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 18, 1954, in Nuremberg, Germany. (Current status: alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, sculptor, printmaker, photographer, and filmmaker.
Early Life and Background
Kiki Smith was born to a family of artists. Her mother, Ursula Meyer, was an art historian and her father, Tony Smith, was a renowned American artist known for his minimalist sculptures. The family moved to the United States when Kiki was one year old and settled in New Jersey. Growing up surrounded by artistic influences, Smith developed a passion for creating art from an early age.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her career, Smith has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. Some notable achievements include:
In 1996, she became the first woman to receive the Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture.
In 2005, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush.
Notable Works or Actions
Smith's art often explores themes of the human body, nature, and the relationship between the two. Some notable works include:
"Untitled (Bull)" (1986): A bronze sculpture that challenges traditional notions of representation.
"Flesh" (1995-2001): A series of sculptures that examine the fragility and beauty of the human form.
Impact and Legacy
Kiki Smith's contributions to contemporary art have been significant. Her innovative approach to medium has expanded our understanding of what art can be. Through her work, she continues to inspire artists, thinkers, and audiences worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
As a prominent figure in the art world, Kiki Smith is widely quoted and remembered for her groundbreaking works that challenge societal norms and expectations. Her innovative approach to medium has paved the way for future generations of artists, making her one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
Quotes by Kiki Smith
Kiki Smith's insights on:
In our family, there wasn’t anything else besides art. Nothing else in the world existed. My father never spoke about going to a movie or listening to music, other than my mother’s singing.
I like Betsy Ross as a model, too, the quilting bee, sitting around with your friends making art, asking what they think, so that you get the benefit of everyone’s opinions and so it’s not just about you in your you-dom.
Many people don’t have relationships to their siblings in adulthood, or they have superficial ones. It’s sort of unfashionable, particularly in America, to be close to your family.
The point isn’t to know what you’re doing. The point is to have an experience doing something.
As a child I prayed that my calling be revealed – but not with expectation and not with a destination. I became an artist because I didn’t know what to do and I thought it was really fun to make things.
My work life makes much less sense now than 20 years ago. It’s Humpty-Dumpty-like in a way; I can’t put the pieces back together.
I always say I’m Catholic – but a cultural Catholic. I wouldn’t say I’m a spiritual person, although I pray every day.