Phillip K Smith III: The Circle of Land and Sky

Presented by Faena Art, Phillip K. Smith III’s piece defines a reflective space within the beach environment, composed entirely of two most prominent elements: water and sky. Formed by 300 geometric reflectors angled at 110 degrees, the artwork directly engages with the ocean surrounding and the endless heavens. As the light shifts and the viewer moves through the installation, land, water and sky are separated, merged, and displaced, subverting one’s assumed relationship with the horizon. It is a constantly changing installation that can never be seen the same way twice.

Born in Los Angeles in 1972, Phillip K. Smith III received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design before returning to the Southern California desert where he was raised. Building upon explorations in the perception of light, color and space, he creates intensely physical and seemingly ephemeral sculptures.