Provence serves as both an homage and a reimagining of Van Gogh’s art. By breaking down Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes into a grid of colour chips, Smith distils the emotional intensity of the originals, inviting viewers to engage with these familiar works in a new way. The fragmented yet coherent forms retain the essence of Van Gogh’s compositions while introducing an additional layer of abstraction and modernity. Smith’s technique emphasises the interplay between colour and perception, highlighting how our eyes and minds reconstruct images from individual components.

Among the standout pieces in Provence are Smith’s renditions of Sunflowers and Garden at Arles. In these works, the vivid florals and serene garden scenes of Van Gogh’s originals are translated into pixelated mosaics that challenge the viewer to see beyond the surface. The exhibition encourages contemplation on the nature of visual experience, the passage of time, and the enduring influence of Van Gogh’s work on contemporary art.

By staging Provence alongside Poets and Lovers, we hope to provide a unique opportunity to explore the continuing relevance of Van Gogh through the lens of modern digital aesthetics, positioning Smith as a bridge between past and present artistic expressions.