Black Artists of DC: Frank Smith at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

Exhibition: Frank Smith: 40 years Since the Riots

June 1, 2008 - December 15, 2008

Frank Smith came of age during the height of the Black Arts Movement in the late ‘60s. One of the early members of AFRICOBRA (African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists), Smith sought perfection in the creation of a unique African American aesthetic that pays homage to cultural traditions, specifically of rhythm and quilt making, yet transcends artistic styles to create his own. Just like jazz, and the transformative ‘60s when Smith began his career, he improvises, moves fast and demands freedom – freedom of color, freedom of space. Many of his works are large pieces, assemblages of several works, or alternatively, pieces of one large work and layered with vibrant strokes and fabrics of color.

Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

801 K Street, NW

at Mount Vernon Square

Washington, DC 20001

202.383.1850

info@HistoryDC.org

http://www.historydc.org/location/exhibits.asp