Akeem Smith: No Gyal Can Test6 Images
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Akeem Smith, 2019. Portrait by Paul Sepuya.
Akeem Smith, ​Untitled​, 2020 (still). Multi-chann
Akeem Smith, ​Untitled​, 2020 (still). Multi-chann
Akeem Smith, ​Untitled​, 2020 (still). Multi-chann
Women at a bashment in Waterhouse, Kingston. Image
Women at a bashment in Waterhouse, Kingston. Image

New York artist, Dazed Fashion Editor at Large, and Dazed 100 star Akeem Smith will debut his first major exhibition that celebrates “dancehall culture, black style, and the tension between memory and photography”.

Opening on April 9 at Red Bull Arts New York, Akeem Smith: No Gyal Can Test will feature a collection of sculptures created from the remains of Smith’s old demolished neighbourhood, archived VHS video tapes, and photographs collected from the late 90s dancehall community in Kingston.

Hosted by Redbull Arts, the exhibition is meant as a “catalogue of something past, but as part of a larger, still-living exploration of a community rooted in celebration”. It will be on show in New York between April 9 and June 28, before moving to Red Bull Arts Detroit in the autumn.

When he’s not opening exhibitions, the Jamaican-born, NYC-based stylist and creative director is styling shoots starring muscle cows, recreating bedroom scenes inspired by Caribbean households, and working magic with Claire Barrow.

Akeem Smith: No Gyal Can Test will open at Red Bull Arts New York on April 9