Exhibitions

Rodney Smith: Beauty, Wit, and Wonder

Nov 21, 2026 - Jan 25, 2027
Opening: Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Anne Loucks Gallery is pleased to announce Rodney Smith: Beauty, Wit and Wonder, opening November 21, 2026, and on view through January 25, 2027. The exhibition offers a compelling look at the artist’s vision and creativity, bringing together twenty-five exceptional examples of his work from 1994–2016. Please join us for the Opening Reception, Saturday, November 21st from 5 – 7 pm to celebrate the exhibition. Rodney Smith (1947–2016) was widely acclaimed for his iconic images that blend portraiture and landscape, with beauty, grace and humor. Working exclusively with film and light, he created enchanting worlds filled with subtle contradictions and surprise. Featuring both black-and-white and color photographs, Wit, Wisdom and Wonder showcases the breadth of Smith's artistic vision and skill. Set against a backdrop of beautiful cities, gardens, and landscapes, the images in the exhibition combine brilliant composition, color, and light with Smith’s distinctive blend of wit, elegance and humor. Born and raised in New York, Rodney Smith developed an early interest in photography, inspired by visits to the Museum of Modern Art. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1970, he studied photography at Yale University with Walker Evans while pursuing a master's degree in theology. Although he gained prominence in the 1990s through his fashion photography, Smith's work ultimately transcended into fine art photography. Today, his photographs are held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Throughout his four-decade career, Smith remained devoted to sharing his view of the world through his work. He wrote, “I want people to see the beauty and whimsy in life, not its ugliness. I feel the need to reach out for its soul, its depth, and its underlying beauty. I represent a world that is possible if people act their best.” For additional images or information, please contact Anne Loucks at 847 835-8500 or anne@loucksgallery.com. Anne Loucks Gallery specializes in contemporary American painting, photography and works on paper. Celebrating its 25th year, the gallery represents a diverse group of 45 emerging and mid-career artists. The gallery curates ten shows annually from two locations in Glencoe and Winnetka on the Northshore of Chicago. Hours are 10:30-5:00 Tuesday – Saturday and by appointment.

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