Ornaminimalism  writing + art by LAUREL SMITH 
 

Laurel Smith investigates contemporary minimal painting by visually challenging Austrian architect, Adolf Loos' essay Ornament and Crime. She combines minimal design principles with ornamental embellishments from other historic periods. Her neo-chinoiserie paintings are inspired by Qing Dynasty fabric motifs found in the court of the late Dowager Empress Cixi. Smith applies multiple layers of enamel paint onto the painting surfaces and polishes them to a luster reminiscent of orchid petals. Smith's embossed and hand colored prints are informed by the floral palette of Cixi's summer palace gardens.