In “SUBARIUM II reprise,” Thomas Smith combines materials from big box stores with contained terrariums to generate a sense of security and quality. However, upon second look, the viewer may see past the façade of what may look safe to what is substandard. Perhaps it is even denying growth and positive change. Smith’s sculptures dare to ask questions about survival, public image, and the landscape of today.

“Akin to an ecosystem enclosed in a terrarium, my sculptures depict a vibrant but, ultimately, unsustainable artificial environment. As plants within the terrarium grow, competition for space intensifies, turning the once-comfortable space into a struggle for survival. The metaphor extends to suburban America, where curated living conditions prioritize aesthetics over functionality, reflecting an impermanent American Dream.”

— Thomas Smith

An opening reception for Thomas Smith’s “SUBARIUM II reprise” will be held at Akron Soul Train Gallery on Thursday, February 22, from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. The exhibition is free and open to the public February 21 – March 23, 2024, in the CapSOUL Gallery.

About the artist Thomas Smith: 

Thomas Smith is a Cleveland-based artist. He received his B.F.A. from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2023. His living sculptural works critique Midwestern suburbia through their use of cheap materials and faux finishing. His interest and subject is personally derived from his own experience of the 2008 housing crisis.