Cedric Smith’s work draws on a wide range of influences and sources, traditional and contemporary, to express his poignant observations of African American life. Much of his work is inspired by his observation as a child of the absence and negative portrayals of African Americans in advertising and on the labels of popular brands. The Paul R. Jones Collection currently has two works of painting and collage by Smith that showcase American culture and Black Americana. However, in the exhibition “Cedric Smith: Horsepower,” the artist will be featuring all-new works and a new direction in his imagery.

“This new body of work deepens Smith’s focus on Blacks’ contributions to American culture and mythology with attention on Black cowboys and jockeys,” said Emily Bibb, curator of the Jones Collection. “We are very excited to bring these new paintings to the museum.” Bibb added that when Smith visits Tuscaloosa, Thursday, November 3, as part of the Paul R. Jones Lecture Series, “We’re looking forward to hosting him and hearing more about this new direction in his work.”