Mimi Smith (artist)

Mimi Smith (1942-2015) was an American artist known for her pioneering work in feminist art, conceptual art, and performance art. Her practice explored themes of domesticity, the female body, urban life, and the human condition, often using humor and a self-deprecating approach.

Smith was a prominent figure in the New York art scene from the 1960s onward. She often created sculptures and installations using everyday materials, transforming mundane objects into evocative artworks. Her work frequently challenged traditional notions of art and gender roles.

Key works by Mimi Smith include her series of life-sized clothing sculptures, such as the "Walking Dress" (1966) and "Crocodile Tears" (1969), which explored the constraints and expectations placed upon women. She also created performance-based works that addressed personal and societal issues. Later in her career, Smith focused on drawing and writing, creating introspective and autobiographical pieces.

Smith’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries internationally, and she is recognized as a significant contributor to the development of feminist art and conceptual art in the United States. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary artists working with similar themes and materials.