Laurel Smith's Ornaminimalism Paintings
Smith's 'Ornaminimalism' arises from the artist's longstanding interest in examining the impact of privileged classes on style and taste. The excessiveness of form that was the hallmark of ornament during the Rococo period in France and late Qing dynasty in China is combined with 20C Minimal art's attention to all over surface. The scrollwork detail at the paintings' edges activates the wall as an additional ornate element. Smith's hybrids are inspired by design motifs found in the imperial courts of King Louis XV and more recently, the Dowager Empress Cixi. Smith states, "The paintings reflect my view of contemporary society's excessive consumer culture, which contradicts a desire for the simple."
