Noreen Smith ‘Justis’
Noreen Smith is a multidisciplinary artist from Baltimore, MD, whose work is a deeply personal reflection of her experiences as a black woman. Her art is intricately woven with the threads of her life’s journey, drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Kara Walker and Romare Bearden. Noreen's creative roots are grounded in a family tradition where women crafted not for recognition, but for the sheer joy of creation. This legacy instilled in her a belief that art is a birthright—a universal language that connects and communicates on the most profound levels.
Noreen’s art is more than visual expression; it is an intimate dialogue that transcends boundaries, evoking thought, emotion, and action. She views her work as a powerful tool for fostering understanding and empathy, connecting people across diverse experiences.
Her artistic journey is marked by significant milestones. Noreen’s work has been featured in both online and paperback publications, showcasing her unique perspective and deepening her engagement with the broader artistic community. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions and has achieved the notable distinction of two solo gallery shows, underscoring her growing influence in the art world.
Noreen was a finalist in the juried See/Me exhibition in Soho, New York, and the B_24 Art Scape exhibition in Baltimore, achievements that speak to the quality and impact of her work. These accolades have elevated her voice within the artistic community, allowing her to reach a wider audience.
A two-week solo residency at the Kolaj Institute in New Orleans further honed her craft, offering her the space to explore new ideas and deepen her artistic voice. Noreen’s unwavering dedication to her craft continues to push the boundaries of creativity, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of art.
Artist Statement
Each of my collages embodies my experiences and shines a light on the unique struggles of women of color navigating our identities within a white male-dominated society. My artwork provides both representation and reflection, extending an invitation to a “Brave Space”- a sanctuary, encouraging viewers to safely identify with, acknowledge, feel, and uplift shared experiences, and amplify voices often unheard and/or overlooked in the art world. Traditional boundaries are transcended through a meticulous fusion of materials that are built without using a substrate, resulting in collaged universes, that touch on pop culture, spirituality, resilience, and the divinity found in womanhood. Through an interlocking and weaving process of deconstructed materials sourced from comic books and graphic novels, new dimensions are added to the creation of collaged paper sculptures, inviting viewers to explore intricate new narratives that address societal issues like racism and sexism, underscoring the challenges faced by marginalized groups. The floating display adds depth to the profound spiritual and whimsical artworks, each infused with intentionality and meticulous attention to detail, drawing viewers into a world of color, meaning, and magic.
