We were lucky to catch up with Dianne Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dianne, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
When thinking about making work or a project, I figure out what I want to say and then find the best medium to say it in. Similarly, when putting up a site-specific installation, I am still determining what it will be once it’s done. Inevitably, someone will say as I’m installing that they can’t wait to see what it will be like when I’m done. My response is usually, “Me too!” So, taking risks is a critical part of my practice, which I’m comfortable with. To be creative is to take risks.
Last summer my solo exhibition at The Bronx Museum, celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop, combined interactive installations, paintings, sound, video sculpture, and photography. The concept was ambitious—a sensory exploration of cultural identity through interconnected pieces. However, the risk lay in the project’s complexity and the vulnerability of exposing deeply personal narratives intertwined with broader social themes.
The journey began with meticulous planning with the curator Souleo and research. I delved into my heritage while seeking to capture the essence of diverse cultural experiences. The challenge intensified as I navigated the logistical intricacies of coordinating multiple mediums within a cohesive narrative. As installation week unfolded, I questioned the work, made changes, and created three new paintings in the museum gallery. I hoped such a multifaceted approach could resonate with the audience and not be dismissed as overly ambitious.
However, with my passion and a relentless drive to push artistic boundaries, I persevered. The result was a breathtaking amalgamation of sights, sounds, and emotions. This immersive tapestry invited viewers to reflect on their cultural roots while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Hip-hop. The risk transformed into triumph as the exhibition was well received by visitors, resonating deeply with everyone and igniting conversations on identity, belonging, and cultural heritage themes.
Whether it’s costume design, painting, video, photography, or installations, each is a pivotal moment, affirming the power of taking risks to pursue creative expression that transcends boundaries and resonates profoundly with the viewer.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into art began quite humbly as a child growing up in the South Bronx when art was still of our middle school lives. Ms. Jacobs, my then art teacher in the 7th and 8th grades, encouraged me to audition for specialized high schools. I was accepted into several, but she encouraged me to attend Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Art, and eventually received my MFA. So, I studied fine arts and received formal training. Still, my deep passion for creative expression and exploration of various mediums, including photography, sculpture, painting, video, and performance art, comes from my proper educational experiences as a child born in the South Bronx and partly raised in Belize. In addition, living and working in Harlem, the vibrant art scene of New York City, and engaging with diverse communities throughout my travels have all contributed to the breadth of who I am creatively.
My work explores identity, culture, and social issues through an interdisciplinary lens. I create various works, including gallery exhibitions, public art installations, commissioned artworks, and educational workshops. In all that I do, I want to provoke thought and dialogue about complex societal issues, challenging viewers to see the world from different perspectives and transcend conventional boundaries. I believe in the power of art to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire change. I am particularly proud of my ability to collaborate with other artists, communities, organizations, and institutions to create impactful art experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
For potential clients, followers, and collaborators, I want them to know that my art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, advocacy, and connection. Whether you want to acquire a unique artwork, engage in a thought-provoking exhibition, or collaborate on a meaningful project, I bring history, passion, creativity, and professionalism to every endeavor. I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and discovery through art.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I believe there are numerous ways to foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives:
Investment in Arts Education: Ensure access to comprehensive arts education in schools to cultivate creativity from a young age. This includes traditional art forms, digital media, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Funding and Grants: Increase public and private funding for the arts, including grants and scholarships, to support artists and creatives in pursuing their work and innovations.
Affordable Spaces and Resources: Create affordable studio spaces, workshops, and access to resources such as equipment and materials to enable artists to experiment and develop their craft.
Promotion and Exposure: Promote and showcase local artists through exhibitions, festivals, and public installations to raise awareness and appreciation for their work.
Supportive Policies: Implement policies that value and protect artists’ rights, including fair compensation, intellectual property rights, and inclusion in urban planning and development.
Cultural Institutions and Programs: Invest in cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and theaters and support community-based arts programs that engage diverse audiences.
Collaboration and Networking: Encourage collaboration and networking among artists, creatives, and other sectors such as technology, science, and business to foster innovation and interdisciplinary projects.
Public Engagement and Participation: Create opportunities for public engagement and participation in the arts through workshops, interactive events, and community projects that promote inclusivity and diversity.
Recognition and Appreciation: Cultivate a culture of appreciation and recognition for artists and creatives, celebrating their contributions to society and acknowledging their role in shaping cultural identity..
Long-Term Sustainability: Develop long-term strategies and commitments to sustain the arts and creative industries, recognizing their economic, social, and cultural value.
By implementing these strategies, society can create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures artists, encourages creativity, and enriches the cultural fabric of communities, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and dynamic society for everyone.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, one of the most rewarding things for me is the ability to give visual voice to things I cannot always verbally articulate and share with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.diannesmithart.com
- Instagram: @iamdiannesmithart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmDianneSmithArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannesmithart/
- Twitter: @diannesmithart
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@iamdiannesmithart
Image Credits
Dianne Smith