Biography

Born and raised in the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa, Christopher Smith (b. 1994) emerged as a luminary in the world of art from the confines of his bedroom.

From a young age, Smith’s artistic inclinations manifested, fuelled by a fascination with fantasy ignited by horror and science fiction films. These early influences laid the foundation for his creative journey, as he embarked on a path of self-discovery through photography. Armed with nothing more than a cell phone, a teenage Smith began capturing self-portraits, transforming his bedroom into a stage for his artistic visions.

 

His journey of self-discovery paralleled his own coming out, a pivotal moment that marked a newfound sense of liberation and in 2016, Smith made his debut on Instagram under the moniker @mechrissmith. What began as a personal exploration soon blossomed into a platform for artistic expression. With each photograph, Smith transcends the confines of his reality, embodying characters that range from the epitome of elegance to the depths of brutality mined from a myriad of references, from fashion and art history to cinema and images of war.

 

Smith’s creative process is as meticulous as it is imaginative, as he crafts every image by himself, from art direction, costume, hair and makeup, to set design; light, photography and, ultimately, as the subject in front of the camera. Despite the constraints of his surroundings, he employs resourcefulness and ingenuity to bring his visions to life, often relying on makeshift props and minimal equipment.

 

Through his work, Smith challenges perceptions and provokes introspection, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of beauty, sexuality, gender-norms and violence. For Smith, art is more than self-expression—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of imagination, and a celebration of the boundless possibilities of restless creativity.

Exhibitions
Works
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Cocked), 2024
    Untitled (Cocked), 2024
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Diamond Eye), 2024
    Untitled (Diamond Eye), 2024
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Hunk), 2024
    Untitled (Hunk), 2024
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Premonition), 2024
    Untitled (Premonition), 2024
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Three Beauties), 2024
    Untitled (Three Beauties), 2024
  • Christopher Smith, Portrait d'une tragédienne (after Cocteau), 2023
    Portrait d'une tragédienne (after Cocteau), 2023
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Anguish), 2023
    Untitled (Anguish), 2023
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Mercury), 2023
    Untitled (Mercury), 2023
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Hercules), 2022
    Untitled (Hercules), 2022
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Cocteau Ceiling), 2021
    Untitled (Cocteau Ceiling), 2021
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Nuclear), 2021
    Untitled (Nuclear), 2021
  • Christopher Smith, Escapism, 2020
    Escapism, 2020
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Amazon), 2020
    Untitled (Amazon), 2020
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Lockdown Boys), 2020
    Untitled (Lockdown Boys), 2020
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Actress), 2019
    Untitled (Actress), 2019
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Moon), 2019
    Untitled (Moon), 2019
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Phone Sex), 2019
    Untitled (Phone Sex), 2019
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Draag), 2018
    Untitled (Draag), 2018
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Teen Heartthrob), 2018
    Untitled (Teen Heartthrob), 2018
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Boxer), 2017
    Untitled (Boxer), 2017
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Third Eye), 2017
    Untitled (Third Eye), 2017
  • Christopher Smith, Untitled (Facelift), 2016
    Untitled (Facelift), 2016
Press