Smiley says he draws inspiration from Kusama’s cosmic dreams and repetition, Schnabel’s bold and textured surfaces, Picasso’s boundless creativity, Jasper John’s perceptions and layers, Basquiat’s raw energy, and Warhol’s pop-culture flair.
The artist’s ascent into the art world began with his first solo exhibition in 2017, Dreams Fizzle into Space. The show featured a 32-piece Warholian hand-painted Soup Can collection, establishing Smiley as an artist with bold conceptual prowess.
Among his notable works is the mural Blocs of Love, an Instagram sensation when it first hit downtown Los Angeles. Building on the success of that project, Smiley unveiled Dear Diary in Hollywood in 2018, captivating audiences with his seamless blend of narrative and visual art.
“I want viewers to feel the grit of life, taste the Hollywood glow, and lose themselves in the different facets of my imagination,” Smiley says. “Neo-expressionism, with its fearless embrace of the subjective, reminds us of the beauty and power of human connection. It’s a reminder that art, at its best, reflects the human soul.”
Smiley’s art has been exhibited alongside esteemed artists such as Ed Ruscha, James Turrell, and Shepard Fairey (Obey), solidifying his place in the contemporary art world. His dynamic and evocative pieces continue to draw attention and admiration from art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
“When someone stands before my work, I want their heart to skip a beat,” Smiley says. “Maybe they’ll see their struggles—their dreams—reflected in the pieces. We’re all connected, after all. Relationships and communication are the warp and weft of existence. In my art, I explore those threads—the frayed edges, the knots, the fragile beauty of vulnerability.”
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