In my paintings, prints, drawings and objects I explore my longstanding interests in archives, anthropology and the natural world. My recent research projects have focused on collections in Surgeons Hall Museum, the Anatomical Museum in the University of Edinburgh and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. Starting with drawing and collage I consider the histories embedded in the objects found in these collections. In ‘Water’s Edge’ and ‘Air Show’ I combine references to existing locations with imaginary scenarios where the natural world is displaced and forced to inhabit and adapt to artificial human environments.
Joan Smith is an Edinburgh based artist. Her recent exhibitions include ‘Skull Colour Chart’ installation at the SSA 2021 and ‘Field Notes’ at Surgeons Hall in 2018-19. She is a member of the art/science group, ‘Fusion’ and was a Senior Lecturer at ECA until 2021.