![Andy Smith painting](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_768/https://crossstreetarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2016-04-20-20.44.36-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img,w_691,h_925/https://crossstreetarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lacuna-Material.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img,w_1189,h_1836/https://crossstreetarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CatNo.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img,w_960,h_540/https://crossstreetarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Andy-Smith-.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img,w_720,h_960/https://crossstreetarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Stop-the-train.jpg)
My practice is ever evolving and is difficult to define. Looking back, there appears to be a constant theme of encouraging public engagement with and through art.
Art has simply always been my language of choice to initiate discourse. Following several years working as a Community Artist, my re-training in Fine Art (Bolton University BA and MA 2011 to 15) has given me a new perspective on how the ‘art world’ itself could use postmodern attitudes to include and enable the wider world to address cultural and societal issues.
I like to examine the logocentric perception we have of meaning. How this meaning is then used as a strategy by the powerful to manipulate thought and action. I use recognisable and newly created symbols and icons to investigate, challenge and sometimes deconstruct established norms of cognitive coding.
Typically emanating from mark-making, (painting, drawing) works have evolved into installations, sculpture, activist’s props and even a political campaign. (2015 General Election)
Exhibitions
Paderborn, Germany
Castlefield Gallery, Manchester
Manchester Cathedral Hanging Bridge
PSMirabel, Manchester
Various exhibitions with Standard Collective
Contact
Instagram: @paintsmithandy
Instagram: @standardcollective2016