paintings that document America in 2023
challenges that we face as a nation
pressing issues of our time
CHRIS SMITH
ANNUAL ART REPORT
america 2023
At a Glance
CHRIS SMITH ART
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to an introduction of my artwork, which showcases paintings that document America in 2023. As an American artist, I am committed to capturing the essence of our current times through my paintings. I strongly believe that my work is not only for the present but also for the future generations who will look back at our society and judge us based on how we lived, the choices we made, and the struggles we overcame.
In my paintings, I address various topics that are affecting our society today. From the worsening drug epidemic to the growing homeless crisis and the rising inequality, I explore the challenges that we face as a nation. I also delve into the impact of technology on our lives and how it affects our relationships, work, and identity.
As an artist, I strive to create paintings that evoke emotions and raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time. I believe that through my work, I can contribute to the ongoing struggle for justice and progress in American society. As the climate crisis intensifies and political polarization deepens, I hope that my paintings can spark conversations and inspire action towards a better future.
As the voices of indigenous communities rise and LGBTQ+ equality prevails, I aim to capture the diversity and complexity of our society in my paintings. With a Supreme Court shifting rights, I also explore the implications of this change on our civil rights and liberties. As mental health concerns increase, I want my paintings to offer a space for reflection, healing, and hope.
As one of my favorite artists, Vincent Van Gogh, once said, "I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say 'he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.'" I hope that my paintings can touch you in some way and inspire you to take action towards a brighter future for all.
CHRIS SMITH ART
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bomb bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
#TheStar-SpangledBanner. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
#Social Commentary on Contemporary American Society. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
Social Commentary on Contemporary American Society
In 2023, America continued to struggle with a drug epidemic, growing homeless crisis, and intensifying climate crisis. Despite the thriving tech industry, inequality rose, and political polarization deepened. Mental health concerns increased while indigenous voices rose, and LGBTQ+ equality prevailed. However, the Supreme Court shifted rights, causing concern for those fighting for justice and progress in American society. The struggle for a better future continued as the nation grappled with complex challenges.
#HomelessCrisisGrows
#DrugEpidemicWorsens
#InequalityRises
#ClimateCrisisIntensifies
#TechLifeThrives
#PoliticalPolarizationDeepens
#MentalHealthConcernsIncrease
#IndigenousVoicesRise
#LGBTQ+EqualityPrevails
#SupremeCourtShiftsRight
#struggle4justice&progressinAmericansociety2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
#HomelessCrisisGrows
Amidst the city's bright lights and sound, The homeless crisis in 2023 is worsening, leaving more and more individuals without a place to call home. It's a problem that demands our attention and requires us to come together as a community to find solutions that help those in need.
#HomelessCrisisGrows. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
#DrugEpidemicWorsens. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
#DrugEpidemic Worsens
In 2023, the flag of America was stained with syringes and pills. The ambulance sirens blared day and night as more and more people fell victim to addiction. The factories churned out drugs faster than the police could catch up, and the death toll continued to rise. The communities rallied together, strong to fight the crisis through medicine, prayer, and unity. It was a time of struggle, but there was hope that someday, the horizon would be free of the darkness that had taken hold.
CHRIS SMITH ART
#TechLifeThrives
In 2023, the world of technology was on fire. Robots had taken over the factories, self-driving cars were cruising the streets, and smart glasses were everywhere. Virtual reality was the new reality, and people were obsessed with their phones. 5G was the backbone of the internet, and crypto was the new currency. At the heart of everything was artificial intelligence. From personal assistants to industrial automation, AI made our lives easier and more efficient. Machine learning got better every day, and the possibilities for what we could do with AI seemed limitless. It was like living in a science fiction movie, and we were all along for the ride.
#TechLifeThrives. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
#InequalityRises . 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
#InequalityRises
#2023 America was a land of contrasts, where the #WealthGap continued to widen. The #Haves And HaveNots stood on opposite sides, with the former enjoying lavish lifestyles and the latter struggling to make ends meet. The #BanksWinning, profiting off the backs of the people who faced #FinancialStruggle. The #SystemicIssues in the economy were causing #EconomicCrisis, leading to #PoliticalUnrest and a growing #ClassDivide.
Despite the #PowerImbalance, there were those who fought for #SocialJustice and believed in #EqualityForAll. The #CorporateGreed and the myth of the #AmericanDream were being challenged by a rising tide of discontent. People were realizing that it was #SurvivalOfTheFittest, and that the playing field was not level.
But there was #HopeForChange. Those who had been left behind were beginning to #RiseUp and demand a fairer society. They were tired of being ignored and were coming together to make their voices heard. Together, they believed that they could #UnitedWeStand and create a better future for all.
CHRIS SMITH ART
#LosAngeles2023
Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis nestled between mountains and sea. Skyscrapers rise above endless traffic, while palm trees sway in the breeze. The air is thick with smog, but the sunsets are stunning. Street vendors sell hot dogs and tacos, while movie stars dine at trendy restaurants. Homeless people roam the streets alongside surfers riding the waves. LA, a city of contrasts and dreams.
#LosAngeles2023. 2023. Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 60x48". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
Marilyn Monroe
In the silver screen's eternal glow,
A movie camera captured her show.
Lipstick allure, an enchanting act,
She became a star, that's a fact.
A shooting star in Hollywood's embrace,
A microphone sang her grace.
Those luscious lips behind the mask,
A rose in hand, a difficult task.
Martini glass and high heels swayed,
As candlelight cast a diamond cascade.
Her heart, once whole, now torn apart,
An hourglass figure, a work of art.
In a white dress, she danced on a grate,
To music's rhythm, her fate embraced.
Sunglasses adorned, her secrets sealed,
High heels clicked as dreams were revealed.
With a martini, Chanel No. 5 in air,
A butterfly's flight without a care.
Movie camera rolled, radio played,
An icon's legacy, dancing never fades.
Star-walked fame, she left her mark,
Movie camera captured light in the dark.
Happy-sad masks, she wore her heart,
President Kennedy, a love torn apart.
A dove soared, a pocketbook in hand,
Chanel No. 5, a candle's command.
Camera clicked, capturing her glance,
California's sun kissed her every chance.
In this portrait of Marilyn Monroe,
A symbol of glamour, love, and woe.
Her legacy shines through time and space,
An enigma captured in life's embrace.
#MarilynMonroe. 2023. Enamel, Acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
#MicJagger. 2023. Enamel, acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
Mic Jagger
Mic Jagger, rock and roll's immortal sage,
A portrait painted on life's vibrant stage.
His voice, a weapon, raw and bold,
His moves, electric, never growing old.
With lips that tease and hips that sway,
He captivates the crowd, night and day.
Rock's wild child, a legend so grand,
Mic Jagger, forever the king of the band.
From the British invasion, he emerged,
A force of nature, rock's spirit surged.
The Rolling Stones' frontman, a charmer supreme,
Inhabiting the stage, living his dream.
His swagger unmatched, a charismatic flair,
Enticing fans with a devil-may-care air.
Mic Jagger, the epitome of rock's command,
A living testament to the power of the band.
Through highs and lows, he stands tall,
A symbol of rock's enduring thrall.
For his artistry and spirit, we forever cheer,
As his legacy echoes, year after year.
Mic Jagger, a true rock deity,
A living legend, for all to see.
With each performance, he lights up the stage,
Transcending boundaries, transcending age.
So raise your voice, let the music ring,
In honor of Mic Jagger, rock's eternal king.
His impact on the genre, sublime,
Mic Jagger, an icon that transcends time.
CHRIS SMITH ART
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, a lyrical sage profound,
His essence painted on life's canvas, unbound. With a voice that weaves tales of truth,
He echoes through time, eternally in youth.
With a guitar in hand, he strums and sings,
His melodies carrying profound meanings.
From folk to protest, his songs ignite,
Championing justice, shining a light.
A troubadour of words, profound and deep,
Bob Dylan's legacy, forever to keep.
His pen, a mighty sword of reflection,
Crafting anthems of social introspection.
From "Blowin' in the Wind" to "The Times They Are a-Changin'",
His poetic prowess forever remaining.
Through the ebbs and flows, he stood tall,
A rebel spirit, challenging it all.
His harmonica's wail, a soulful cry,
As he painted pictures with each word, oh so sly.
Bob Dylan, a beacon of artistic might,
An enigma of brilliance, day and night.
From coffeehouse stages to grand arenas,
His presence captivating, defying arenas.
A voice that whispers, then roars with might,
Bob Dylan's songs ignite the inner light.
So let his melodies guide you through,
The depths of his verses, authentic and true.
Bob Dylan, the troubadour, forever renowned,
His legacy of words, forever profound.
#BobDylan. 2023. Enamel, acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
David Bowie
David Bowie, a cosmic enigma so grand, A portrait of artistry, forever in demand. With chameleon grace, he transformed and evolved, From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, problems solved.
His voice, a kaleidoscope of range and tone, He mesmerized the world, making it his own. From Major Tom's voyage to Space Oddity, He took us on journeys of musicality.
With flamboyant style and fashion divine, Bowie's persona shone, an icon in design. From lightning bolt makeup to vibrant attire, His image ignited creative fire.
Through lyrics that pondered life's mysteries, He challenged conventions, sparking fantasies. From "Heroes" to "Rebel Rebel," his songs, Captivated hearts, where the spirit belongs.
A visionary of sound, he pushed boundaries, Experimenting fearlessly, embracing foundries. From rock to funk, to electronic beats, Bowie's sonic landscape, a mesmerizing feat.
His theatrical performances, a visual delight, A stage presence captivating, shining bright. David Bowie, an embodiment of reinvention, Inspiring generations with his artistic invention.
Though he left us behind, his spirit prevails, In melodies that endure, in timeless tales. David Bowie, an eternal star shining above, A legend of music, forever we love.
#DavidBowie. 2023. Enamel, acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
Jimmy Hendrix
In Woodstock's embrace, a guitar player's fame,
At Monterey Pop, he etched his name,
With Purple Haze, his spirit ablaze,
A microphone carried his soul's sweet phrase.
Polydor Records heard his Afro's sway,
Hey Joe echoed, a sad face on display,
Rock & Roll's crown on his head so high,
Experience bloomed, beneath electric sky.
Alone at the watchtower, he'd often stand,
Fire in his fingers, a Reprise Records' brand,
An explosion of talent, the camera man's awe,
A visionary's gift, beyond what they saw.
Foxy Lady, two guitars in his grasp,
Voodoo Child's spell, and herb's gentle rasp,
Statue of Liberty whispered as wind cries,
Mary's voice echoed, truth unveiled in his eyes.
Amplifier roared sex and drugs strummed,
Electric Lady Land, where his genius hummed,
Fender Stratocaster, his tool of creation,
Microphone shared wisdom with every nation.
Death's cruel embrace took his peace and love,
But his electric guitar still sings from above,
With a peace sign in hand, his legacy's grand,
A legend whose spirit forever expands.
#JimmyHendrix. 2023. Enamel, acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
#SteveJobs. 2023. Enamel, acrylic and pencil on canvas, 36x36". © Christopher Smith Art 2023
CHRIS SMITH ART
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, an innovator's guiding star, A visionary who dared to dream afar. With a mind that sparked technological zest, He revolutionized the world with each quest.
From humble beginnings, he charted his way, Co-founding Apple, a company to stay. With the Macintosh, he unveiled a new age, Empowering individuals on a digital stage.
Through elegant design, he brought art to tech, Integrating beauty in every byte and spec. From iPod to iPhone, his creations soared, Connecting people like never before.
His passion for perfection knew no bounds, Pioneering products that astounded and astound. With a keen eye for simplicity and grace, He crafted experiences that users embrace.
In presentations, he took the stage by storm, Unveiling innovations, a true reform. His charisma captivated, leaving minds in awe, As he shared his vision, relentless and raw.
Steve Jobs, a beacon of inspiration, Leaving an indelible mark on every generation. His ethos of "Think Different" echoes on, Empowering creators to shine brightly and strong.
Though he may be gone, his legacy thrives, In every Apple device, his spirit survives. Steve Jobs, a visionary who dared to explore, Forever inspiring us to reach for more.