Lucien Smith Unveils ‘Burn Down the House’ at Kearsey & Gold

Lucien Smith unveiled his exhibition 'Burn Down the House' at Kearsey & Gold on May 17, 2024, featuring a series of airbrushed paintings that explore themes of fulfillment, ambition, and collapse. The exhibition, which runs until July 17, marks Smith's debut presentation in the U.K. and his first solo show since opening his restaurant, FOOD, last fall. The collection centers on the image of Dorothy's house from The Wizard of Oz falling through the sky, serving as a metaphor for uncertainty and loss of control. Smith uses this imagery to represent the feeling of everything built being thrown into the air, prompting reflection on what lies beyond such upheaval. The artist's inspirations for this show include Martha Rosler, Cady Noland, Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer's "Protect Me From What I Want," and Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime," all of which touch upon the disparity between desire and its realization and the subsequent unsettling feelings. Smith has previously spoken about rediscovering his artistic practice after experiencing rapid success, leading him to establish the artist-focused non-profit Serving the People in Montauk before returning to New York to lead his restaurant, FOOD, which also features his airbrush artwork.