1945–1999

An artist, educator and activist, “Geo,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Jersey City, but lived in Brooklyn, New York.

1945–1999

An artist, educator and activist, “Geo,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Jersey City, but lived in Brooklyn, New York.

1945–1999

An artist, educator and activist, “Geo,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Jersey City, but lived in Brooklyn, New York.

1945–1999

An artist, educator and activist, “Geo,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Jersey City, but lived in Brooklyn, New York.

He was a student at the School of Visual Design and the New York Phoenix School of Design. Smith was known, in part, for his “hybridization” of collages, prints, and photomontages which were inspired by several art traditions including “ Berlin Dadaists and the “subtle contourings” found in Chinese dynasty era paintings.”

Smith was known for the overtly political and allegorical messages in his work. In the artist’s own words “I’m a frustrated dictator, philosopher, politician, minister and teacher. I think we’re a country in denial so much that what I want to do is just put up images of what I see and how I see it.” Smith believed in the power of making a statement and to “move people.”

Smith’s, "We Have Got to Come Together," masterfully fuses painting and collage techniques. Both the title of this work and the imagery provide insight into the artist’s rai·son d'ê·tre. Smith’s work was more that just a socio-political commentary, he aspired to utilize his work as a call to action. Smith’s work confronts us in a way that denies us the shelter to take comfort in passivity.

The Artist’s Work in Other Collections (selected)
The Studio Museum in Harlem
• The Equitable Life Assurance Society
• Island Records
• Medgar Evers College
• Somerset County College (New Jersey)

Exhibitions (Artist)
Bronx River Art Gallery, NY, Studio Museum in Harlem, Parson’s School of Design, Intergrafik ’80 (Germany DDR), and The Brooklyn Museum

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Studio Museum in Harlem

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