Bringing Down The Walls
As we mature, we subtly refine our characters, pruning and preening any attributes we choose to outgrow, focusing on what truly defines us as individuals. We may identify as artists, accountants, Latinos, Black individuals, women, Democrats, scholars, soldiers, and countless other labels and affiliations that help us understand ourselves and find like-minded individuals. However, while these categories can foster connection, they can also create distance from those we struggle to comprehend. Art, on the other hand, transcends labels and communicates without the need for words; it speaks directly to the soul, inviting us to engage without preconceptions. When we encounter a piece of art, we don't require explanations of its meaning or purpose; we simply absorb its essence by being present with it and exploring its depths.
This open interaction with art encourages us to move beyond the need for overt displays of identity and instead embrace the fundamental essence of humanity that lies at the core of our being. Art serves as a reminder of our shared humanity, the common thread that connects us all.
This shared humanity is central to the work of Katt Smith, a local artist whose creations range from abstract representations of shapes and colors to poignant depictions of individuals facing adversity. Much like the subjects she portrays, Katt invites her audience to wrestle with the scenes she presents. Works like "Mother and Child," depicting a young mother and child fleeing toward a riverboat amidst chaos, or "Queen," where a woman's back is turned to the viewer, her billowing hair the only visible feature, prompt viewers to delve beneath the surface. Katt challenges us to move beyond superficial observations of gender or race and instead engage with the deeper narrative she constructs. By obscuring certain details, she compels us to contemplate the characters' positions, the symbolism of their attire, and the messages conveyed through their interactions.
Through her art, Katt challenges us to step outside the confines of our comfort zones and confront the humanity that transcends our individual identities and group affiliations. She uses art as a tool to facilitate communication between individuals and communities that may initially perceive themselves as having little in common. In our gallery, we aim to provide visitors with opportunities to encounter new perspectives and have their perceptions transformed by the stories depicted on our historic stone walls.