Ann P. Smith

This whale is constructed from recycled metal and plastic parts from lamps, printers, electric razors, and typewriters. We tend to throw away items that no longer function, but Ann P. Smith saw the beauty in these bits and pieces, fusing them into a repurposed reality to capture the beauty of these majestic ocean mammals. As if seeing with x-ray vision, one can imagine the 200 bones within an adult whale skeleton. What kind of “junk” do you have that could be transformed into something beautiful?

–Ingrid Neuman, senior conservator

Working with myriad discarded elements, Ann P. Smith underscores the rapid technological changes and planned obsolescence of consumer goods characteristic of our society. Whale is made of broken electronic and mechanical devices, including lamp, printer, speaker, electric razor, and typewriter parts. As the future disposal of “e-waste” becomes an increasing concern, it is significant that Smith recycles these manmade items into the depiction of an animal form.