Rob Smith is a visual artist and researcher whose work explores human relationships with marine environments, and the ways digital technologies can materialise these remote and inaccessible places. His practice combines critical investigation with material and situated approaches to develop new understandings and narratives for the deep sea in the context of climate change.
He is currently a member of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) research project Visualising the Deep Sea in the Age of Climate Change, working alongside scientists, historians and artists to question how technological mediation both reveals and obscures the ocean’s depths. His projects brings together fieldwork, photography, and digital imaging processes with sculptural and site-based practices, testing how artworks can open speculative encounters with deep ocean environments.
For over twenty years his research led practice has developed digital, online and offsite projects alongside exhibitions at BALTIC, Gateshead; Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge; IMT Gallery, London; Siobhan Davies Studios, London; and Den Frie, Copenhagen. Collaboration is central to his approach: he has worked with artists including Rebecca Birch and Charles Danby, and co-directed initiatives such as ArtHouses (Whitley Bay) and the artist-led video streaming project Field Broadcast.
instagram: @iamrobsmth
email: robsmithrob[at]gmail.com
external links:
http://fieldbroadcast.org
http://arthouses.net
https://www.ntnu.edu/deepsea