What's Happening?
Lucien Smith, a prominent New York contemporary artist known for his 'Rain Paintings,' has died at the age of 37. The news was confirmed by his longtime friend and gallerist, Bill Powers, though a cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Smith, born
in Los Angeles in 1989 and raised in New York, earned his bachelor's degree from Cooper Union in 2011. His thesis exhibition, 'Imagined Nostalgia,' garnered the attention of art dealer Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, leading to his work being shown at Salon 94. Smith's 'Rain Paintings,' created by spraying paint from a fire extinguisher onto unprimed canvases, quickly made him a notable figure in the early-2010s art scene. Demand for his work surged, with one painting selling for $389,000 at a Phillips auction in 2013, after initially selling for $10,000. In 2014, his work generated over $4 million at auction, according to the Artnet Price Database. Skarstedt Gallery, which exhibited his work, expressed deep sadness over his passing.
Why It's Important?
The passing of Lucien Smith marks the loss of a significant figure in the contemporary art world, particularly for the New York art scene of the early 2010s. His innovative 'Rain Paintings' challenged traditional artistic techniques and garnered considerable commercial success, demonstrating the evolving landscape of art appreciation and investment. Smith's career trajectory, from a rapidly rising star to a period of cooling demand, and his subsequent pivot to supporting emerging artists through his nonprofit, Serving the People, highlights the dynamic and often challenging nature of a career in the arts. His candid discussions about substance abuse also shed light on the personal struggles that can accompany public success. The postponement of his recent exhibition, 'Delay of Game,' which featured new 'Rain Paintings,' underscores the immediate impact of his death on ongoing artistic endeavors and the galleries that represented him.
What's Next?
The exhibition 'Delay of Game' at Tripoli Gallery, featuring Smith's new 'Rain Paintings,' which was scheduled to open on September 12, has been postponed. The gallery is consulting with his family regarding future plans for the exhibition. This postponement indicates a period of adjustment and mourning within the art community and among those involved in his recent projects. The nonprofit 'Serving the People,' founded by Smith to support emerging talent in art, music, and film, will likely continue its mission, though its future leadership and direction in the wake of his passing remain to be seen. The art market may also see a renewed interest in Smith's existing works, as is often the case following the death of a prominent artist, potentially affecting auction prices and gallery sales.
Beyond the Headlines
Lucien Smith's journey reflects broader themes within the art world, including the pressures of early success, the search for authenticity, and the challenges of maintaining relevance. His move away from the New York art scene, which he described as 'pretentious and unhealthy,' speaks to a common critique of the commercialization and social dynamics within high-profile art circles. His establishment of 'Serving the People' demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more supportive environment for creatives, highlighting a desire to give back and address systemic issues within the industry. The renewed focus on his 'Rain Paintings' shortly before his death suggests a cyclical nature to artistic trends and the potential for artists to revisit and recontextualize their earlier, defining works. His openness about substance abuse also brings attention to mental health and addiction issues that can affect individuals in high-pressure creative fields.
