"Alim Smith is a Delaware born interdisciplinary artist whose work has been exhibited in American art galleries primarily on the east coast. His artistic process expands beyond a singular medium due to several years of applied studies in Visual Art, Communicative Arts as well as Photography. Smith’s creative exploration stems from experiences and events within his culture, applying a variety of ideas based on his knowledge of self and understanding of others."
Smith’s path into the art world was ignited by an early, fleeting love. In elementary school, inspired by a girl, he crafted a portfolio with works ranging from a self-portrait to a Garfield painting, earning him a place at Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington.
At Cab Calloway, Smith’s passion for art blossomed. Along the way, he found kindred spirits in Mike Silva and Terrance Vann, with whom he founded the Paper Cut Kids art collective.
An encounter with M.C. Escher’s intricate works left a lasting mark on Smith. He was so captivated by the artist's book that he 'borrowed' it from a teacher.
High school graduation in 2008 brought challenges: Smith was diagnosed with epilepsy, and his mother lost her job, halting his art school plans. But he persisted, creating art from his living room. Together with Silva, he drew a portrait of Barack Obama and, realizing its resonance, sold copies at the inaugural address in D.C.
Smith's art vibrantly celebrates black culture, women, and entertainment. 'Yesterday Nite,' with its playful misspelling, embodies his ethos: 'It’s wrong, but it feels good.' His work stands out for its rhythmic subjects, dark humor, and bold cultural influence, delivering his message with clarity.
'I want you to get what I’m trying to say when I say it,' Smith says.
FAQ
When did you start creating art?
I was always creating or scribbling something but the first time I really remember enjoying art was in kindergarten. We had to color in a fire. My brother and mom saw that I was just using red and they told me to use orange,yellow and blue because fire isn’t just one color. I remember really enjoying that.
What’s your process like?
My process is different depending on what I’m creating. But I usually start off by turning on a long ass podcast or an album I don’t mind not listening to all the way through. Then I just get to work. I just need some kind of continuous sound in the background. I can’t create in silence.
Did you go to art school or were you self taught?
I went to an art school for high school and middle school. But I still feel self taught because they didn’t teach us how to draw. They just told us what to draw so the people who couldn’t draw still aren’t that good. And the ones that could are just a little better.
Do you have any advice for artists and creators?
My only advice would be don’t stop creating and dont worry to much about people’s opinions of your work.