Polk Smith’s overall approach suggests a variety of possibilities beyond mere artistic investigation.  They are self-possessed of an undercurrent reflecting an adolescent attitude with a sublime pinch of humor.  This is not to say that the work is immature but that rather then simply embracing the de Stijl esthetic in its entirety, the artist has shaped it into a personal expression that challenges much of the formality.  In other words,

Leon Polk Smith, Joan T. Washburn Gallery

Polk Smith earnestly embraces de Stijl as evidenced by the flat blacks, whites, grays, primaries and the reductive lines and forms. Yet there is also a breaking away too; of having some fun with the sensibility.  This shares a connection (admittedly tenuous) to Lichtenstein’s paintings some 15 odd years later, albeit with a more

Leon Polk Smith, Joan T. Washburn Gallery

Leon Polk Smith, Joan T. Washburn Gallery

intelligent result. The combination of embracing order while also challenging it with a little healthy anarchy goes a long way toward explaining their content.