Mickey Smith, TIME, 2009. Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle photo rag, edition of 10, 120 x 80cm, framed. Courtesy: the artist and Sanderson Gallery, Auckland.
In Matters of Time, Mickey Smith’s monumental photographs and wearable objects are pulled together to form a contemplative exhibition reflecting on cultural identity, present and past. For nearly two decades, Smith has documented bound periodicals found in public and institutional libraries which — as her artistic practice continues to evolve — have become harder to find with the rapid increase of digitization.
While the books themselves record and chronicle, so do Smith’s photographs. Portraits of book spines stand as erudite soldiers, documented as they are found in the stacks. The text and knowledge that rests between covers remains unseen and untouched, while the titles rise above their original intent, evoking a sense of intrigue.
The gallery is open and practicing COVID-19 social distancing measures. The exhibition can also be viewed online. View the exhibition here.
