Barbara T. Smith’s groundbreaking artwork, “Just Plain Facts” (1966–67), marked the inception of her remarkable journey as an artist. Before she became a prominent figure in feminist performance art, Smith, a housewife facing marital turmoil, found solace in expressing her emotions through a Xerox machine. Leasing a Xerox 914 scanner, she set it up on her kitchen table and embarked on a prolific artistic endeavor, creating over 50,000 artworks within a year.
Currently on display at the Marciano Art Foundation’s library, the exhibition “Barbara T. Smith: Xerox 914” showcases Smith’s innovative exploration of the Xerox machine’s capabilities. From scanning photographs and toys to capturing images of her own body, Smith delved deep into the possibilities of the technology. She approached the machine like a lithograph, often layering prints multiple times to enhance the composition. This meticulous process led to the creation of unique pieces like “In Self Defense” (1966–67), where four hands appear on a single page, with each palm bearing the words “copy” and “unique.”
Smith pushed the boundaries of the technology by experimenting with re-copying material to degrade images, playing with the distance between objects and the scanning surface, and creating various visual effects. Her works were compiled into publications, including the “Coffin” series consisting of 30 spiral-bound books and the “Poetry Set” featuring five unbound books like “Joy” and “Rebellion” (both series from 1965–66).
Of particular interest are the works where Smith’s body is prominently featured, hinting at her future in performance art. Pieces like “Self Portraits” (1966–67) depict her hands and face pressed against the glass, alongside objects like seashells and ferns, evoking a sense of confinement or drowning.
In her later years, at the age of 82, Smith revisited the photocopy machine with “Untitled” (2013), capturing scans of her hands in high definition and embellishing them with colorful glitter. This artwork symbolizes her ongoing journey of self-exploration and artistic expression, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to exposing herself through the medium of art.
“Barbara T. Smith: Xerox 914” exhibition at the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles is a testament to Smith’s groundbreaking work with the Xerox machine. Curated by Jenelle Porter, the exhibition offers a unique insight into Smith’s creative process and her pioneering use of technology in art. Visit the exhibition before it closes on July 5th to experience the transformative power of Barbara T. Smith’s visionary artwork.
