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Justin Smith; is a multi talented visual artist full of energy and vision expressing his art through a variety of styles such as Tribal Exploration, Fauvist Landscapes, and Abstract Expressionism. With deep roots in New Orleans, he has dedicated much of his talent to the pursuit of purist tribal symbolic-abstraction. Justin, now 28 years of age, has attended three influential schools shaping his artistic vision, Mandeville High, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and Tulane University.
Justin’s engaging and eclectic artistic style owes itself to years of travel; primarily regions below the equator. Justin utilizes his own version of self-taught abstract expressionism, tribal mythological representations and Jungian symbolism. His latest body of work includes enamel and mixed media painting on wood panel.
Picture yourself floating down a tropical river deep in a Central American jungle encountering strange, frightening yet colorful peoples. Fiery temples light the night sky. A shaman performs ceremonies as Myan law has dictated for centuries. This is the world Justin captures. These are the scenes that fill this emerging artist’s mind. “Vessel of Tlaloc”, “Feathered Serpent”, and “Reflected Spirits” are the names incorporated into his uniquely colorful vision.
Justin’s works were recently featured in 2004, 2005, and 2006 in three successful Barrister’s Gallery Exhibitions as well as a successful exhibition at Aucoin’s Art Gallery in Mandeville, LA. Additionally, he was the focus of a December 2004 news story on ABC Channel 26. Currently his work can be viewed at the JUSTIN ROBINSON SMITH Gallery at 927 Royal Street in the French Quarter. His art can also be seen at Erzulie’s French Quarter Voodoo Shop at 807 Royal Street and Esoterica Occult and Witchcraft Shop at 541 Dumaine Street. His piece, “The Glass Chapel”, was chosen to be included in the “Mixed Media Juried Competition” in Slidell, LA. From March 31 through April 25, 2005, he was the featured solo artist on display throughout the Crescent City Brewhouse at 527 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. From October 27 through November 18, 2006 he was part of a 2 artist expedition, “Abstract Expressions” at the City of Slidell, Louisiana’s Art League Gallery.
Additionally, the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC selected a tile created by Justin to display for its permanent exhibit. The emotional piece depicts an eye crying a single tear, representing the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
In addition to visual arts, Justin has training and acting credits in dramatic theatre, experimental theatre, educational videos, commercials, catalogs and stage plays. In early 2005, he was involved in the award winning production, NITA & ZITA at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans. In December 2006, his art was featured in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. WHERE Magazine, the well known tourism publication, has been quoted as saying, “Justin’s work is extremely innovative, with remarkable use of color.” Additionally, the editor of TRAVEL HOST, another well known tourist publication has been quoted as saying, “Justin’s work is a vibrant, mixed media celebration!”
His art gallery is open from 10:00am until 600:pm 7 days a week. With artwork ranging from $100. to $3000., his prices are just right for the market and suitable for serious collectors.