Kiki Smith
Untitled (Mouth), 1993
Phosphorous bronze 7/10
6” x 4 3/4” x 5 1/4”
Student Union Collection of Contemporary Art, CU1997.5.1

Due to the recurrent themes of the human body within her artwork, American artist Kiki Smith (b.1954) has been termed an anatomist, humanist, feminist, activist, and critic. Her art is highly conceptual and socially charged, hiding political issues within her subjects. A highly prolific artist, Smith has worked in various media including sculpture, prints, and installations. Her bronze sculpture Untitled (Mouth) illustrates a re-contextualized human mouth, creating an intimate and uncomfortable confrontation with the viewer. According to Smith, her use of bronze suggests instability due to its historic melting and recasting, often remade into weapons of war.

© Kiki Smith, reproduced with permission of the artist.