Atlanta’s Anderson Smith combines photography, painting and imagery from pop culture in his abstract works. But Smith doesn’t just create art, he also displays it at the two galleries he owns.
Artist: Born and grew up in Chicago. After high school, Smith went into the military and later graduated with a sociology degree from Barber-Scotia College (NC).
In 1998, Smith moved to Atlanta, where he worked as a photographer on commercial and product layouts for local magazines and companies.
His girlfriend encouraged Smith he could do more. In 2011, the couple traveled to NYC (his first trip), where he walked around with his camera snapping images and taking in the city’s energy.
Back home in Atlanta, Smith felt recharged and started to paint.
In 2015, Smith’s girlfriend, who he credits with igniting his art career, died. Her death later inspired Smith yet again to start painting again.
Company/studio: Gallery Anderson Smith, has two Atlanta locations: Buckhead and Peachtree Corners. Smith’s Buckhead gallery also serves as his studio.
In the beginning: As a kid, his aunt used to come to his family’s house, sit at the dining room table and draw, mostly cartoons, while Smith watched.
Soon he was drawing cartoon characters too, dreaming of becoming a cartoonist. But he drifted away from art to play sports in high school.
Art & materials: Abstract mixed-media and collage art, which often includes elements from pop culture like Mickey Mouse and Marilyn Monroe.
Materials include paper, watch parts, albums tapes, spray paint, acrylics and “whatever sparks a creative moment and idea.”
Most popular piece: “Put The Needle On The Record” ($45,000).
Recent project: “Time Is Money,” a multi-dimensional mixed-media collage piece with watches, money and a working clock.
Where you’ve seen his art:
- Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the food court in Concourse B.
- Fellaship.ATL, a premium dining and cigar space, opened in 2019 by Cam Newton and Cecil Newton Jr.
What’s new: Opened a second gallery location in The Forum in Peachtree Corners.
What’s next: A solo show by Atlanta artist Vando Davis at the Peachtree Corners gallery. Opens June 14, 6-9 p.m.
Where to buy: http://galleryandersonsmith.com as well as at his two gallery locations.
Get social: Instagram: @GalleryAndersonSmith
