Courtesy of Akeem Smith and Red Bull Arts

Akeem Smith’s debut exhibition will celebrate 90s dancehall in Kingston

The Dazed 100 star’s No Gyal Can Test will open at Red Bull Arts New York in April

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

Read Next
LightboxAn insider’s portrait of life as a young male model

Nick Offord’s No Shows, shot over a decade, documents the burgeoning friendships, in-between moments and inertia of model life in New York, London, Milan and Paris

Read Now

What Went DownIn pictures: Jefferson Hack launches new exhibition with exclusive event

On Sunday night, Jefferson Hack hosted a private dinner at 180 Studios to celebrate Paradigm Shift: new dimensions in moving image, a major new exhibition in partnership with Ray-Ban Meta

Read Now

ListsArt to see this week if you’re not going to Frieze 2025

No ticket for Frieze? That’s okay, here’s a list of other amazing art shows to see in London this week...

Read Now

ListsHere’s what not to miss at Frieze 2025

With nearly 170 contemporary art galleries showing, Frieze London is the UK’s most mammoth art event of the year. We’ve rounded up a list of highlights to keep an eye out for when you visit...

Read Now