One Worm at a Time: Armisey Smith

Armisey Smith writes: “My latest body of work depicts the struggle between mind and body. Art-making is a mechanism which speaks to my clinical depression and serves to illuminate/dispel stigmas related to clinical depression in women of color. Historically black women are labeled with the ‘Strong Black Woman’ moniker; thereby irresponsibly undermining potential mental disorders. Embracing the ‘Strong Black Woman’ mantle means vulnerability within social and familial circles. I choose to expose the organic and chemical disjunction of the mind/body with individual amorphous shapes layered with paint and objects sealed in resin. These shapes obliquely resemble neural pathways, cell structures, organs and musculature; the components of which make us human yet fallible. The movement or sculptural relief of each individual piece further emphasizes the disconnection between mind and body. Eventually, by physical movement of the pieces or the convergence of the mind’s eye, the re-association begins.”

Armisey Smith is a Newark-based illustrator, graphic designer, curator, painter, and educator. As a graduate of Leadership Newark, Parsons School of Design, and Pratt Institute, Smith’s experience includes leadership roles in education, public relations, and special programs for various arts and education-based organizations. Smith is the Director of Arts Education at Arts Unbound.
Includes the work of Armisey Smith.