Rodney Smith
Photographer Rodney Smith, whose work was characterised by a gentle surrealism, passed away at 68 on 5 December 2016 at his home in Snedens Landing, NY. Inspired by Belgian painter René Magritte, he grew in notoriety for his photographs, often in black-and-white, featuring businessman placed into unusual settings. In the 90s he moved into the fashion world of his father, shooting for publications such as The New York Times and W Magazine.
Jonathan Stuhlman, who curated Smith’s show in 2003 at the University of West Virginia, wrote of his work: “In Smith’s enchanted world, balance produces beauty, laughter and whimsy dance hand in hand, and things are not always what they seem.”
In honour of his life work, we have compiled a selection of his best photographs below:
Edythe And Andrew Kissing On Top Of Taxis, New York. 2008.
Massimo and Saori Holding Hands, Amalfi, Italy. 2007.
Woman in Window, Hancock Shaker Village, MA. 2005.
Zoe Balancing Teapot on Head, Burden Mansion, New York, NY. 2006
A.J. Looking Over Ivy Covered Wall, Harriman, NY. 1994.
Zoe on Water with Armchair, Sherwood Island, Westport, Connecticut. 2004
Don Jumping Over Hay Roll No.1, Monkton, Maryland. 1999.
Three Men With Shears No. 1. Rheins, France. 1997.
Samuel From Behind No.1., Reims, France. 1997.
Woman Holding Up Dress Walking Through Vineyard, Napa Valley. 1998.