Skip to main content

Ray Smith Art

American, Mexican, b. 1959

Ray Smith is a contemporary artist who combines the techniques of print- and collage-making with a Cubist aesthetic in his unique signature compositions. His abstract paintings and sculptures can often be classified as Surrealist for their otherworldly qualities. Smith uses anthropomorphism and visual juxtaposition to jar the viewer and give his creations a magically alien quality.

Smith was born in Texas in 1959 but grew up in Central Mexico. He attended art school in both countries before settling in Cuernavaca, Mexico; he also regularly traveled to New York. He held his first solo exhibitions in Mexico at the Instituto Mexicano Norteamericano de Relaciones Culturales in 1979 and in New York at Tower Gallery in 1984.

Smith’s work grew in prestige and popularity over the years for its exuberant style and cross-cultural sensibilities. He drew as much from famed European artists like Pablo Picasso as from the traditional Mexican muralists, exploring themes such as birth, family, culture, war, politics and death. By 1989, Smith was participating in the Whitney Biennial in New York City.

Smith has continued to exhibit his work in the United States and Mexico. His paintings are in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Centro Cultural de Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City.

In 2019, Smith held a “Celebrating 10 Years of Ray Smith Studio” exhibition at his studio in Brooklyn, New York. Today, he splits his time between New York and Cuernavaca, Mexico.

On 1stDibs, find Ray Smith’s paintings, sculptures and other art.

to
3
12
11
2
2
2
1
"The Wait" 2020 signed original limited edition silkscreen 12x18in abstract
By Ray Smith
Located in Miami, FL
Ray Smith (United States, 1959) 'La Espera', 2020 Silkscreen on paper. Edition of 50 11.7 x 17.8 in. (29.5 x 45 cm.) Ref: SMI-101 Ray Smith (American, b.1959) Born in Brownsville, T...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ink, Screen

Cartas de Japon by Ray Smith surreal Dali esque print Japanese portfolio
By Ray Smith
Located in New York, NY
Ray Smith's aptitude for the surreal is apparent in this portfolio of six drypoint prints, presented in a portfolio case. Each image depicts an intriguing, fantastic landscape populated with chimeric nudes. Each one is carefully printed to appear as if doodled on lined notebook paper with ballpoint pen: Japanese letter paper chine-colle on Kizuki Hosho paper. Translated as "Letters from Japan," Cartas de Japon plays on tropes of an exotic, faraway land. The series of prints perhaps pictures Japan in the imagination of westerners, who for centuries speculated that those from other continents had wildly different bodies and customs. The title may be a reference to iconic Mexican director Carlos Velo's 1973 film Letters from Japan. Cartas del Japon, 1988-89 Portfolio of 6 drypoint prints printed on Japanese letter paper mounted on Kizuki Hosho paper Plate 6 x 7.8 in. Paper 18 x 23.4 in. Ed. 30 with three artist proofs. Printed by Hideharu Mishio, Norimasa Mizutani, and Marie Okada at Woodblock Workshop. Published by AC&T CORPORATION, Tokyo, 1989. Per the Broad: "Ray Smith’s paintings incorporate surrealistic and animistic tendencies informed by his Latin heritage as well as deep study of the history of modern art. Smith was born near the Texas/Mexico border...
Category

1980s Pop Art Ray Smith Art

Materials

Drypoint

Blue Mirror
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Painted mirror
Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Sueño de un Boy Scout by Ray Smith surreal nude print in green and yellow
By Ray Smith
Located in New York, NY
Ray Smith elucidates the "Dream of a Boy Scout" in this surreal green, red, and yellow wood cut print. A woman with two faces sits nude within a diamond-shaped gold field of color, reaching up with her hand and out with her leg to touch the corners of the diamond, which each nestle a light fixture. Sueño de un Boy Scout, 1988-9 Woodcut in black, red and green, on oiled Japon, signed and dated in black ink, numbered 1/30 (there were also 3 artist's proofs) 25 x 39 in. Per the Broad: "Ray Smith’s paintings incorporate surrealistic and animistic tendencies informed by his Latin heritage as well as deep study of the history of modern art. Smith was born near the Texas/Mexico border...
Category

1980s Pop Art Ray Smith Art

Materials

Woodcut

Red Mirror
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Painted mirror
Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Serie: Mujeres con espejo 5
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Mixed technique
Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Vase 3
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Vase Ceramics
Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Serie: Abstractos con espejo 8
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Mixed technique
Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Vase 5
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Vase Ceramics
Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Yellow Mirror
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Painted mirror in yellow
Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Vase 6
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Vase Ceramics
Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Vase 1
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Vase Ceramics
Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

White Mirror
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Painted mirror in white
Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Vase 2
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Vase Ceramics
Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Related Items
"Fish Dish"- Figurative Abstract Still-Life
By Morag Muir
Located in Soquel, CA
"Fish Dish" by Morag Muir (Scottish, b. 1960). Screen print on paper Signed "Morag Muir" and dated "87" lower right. Titled "Fish Dish" center and numbered "...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Ray Smith Art

Materials

Printer's Ink, Laid Paper, Screen

Matisse, Nu Bleu VI (Duthuit 139), Verve: Revue Artistique (after)
By Henri Matisse
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on vélin du Marais paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the volume, Verve: Revue Artistique et Littéraire, Vol. IX, N° 35-36...
Category

1950s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

1970's Multicolor Psychedelic Figurative Abstract, Limited Edition Silkscreen
Located in Soquel, CA
Bright and colorful early 1970's limited edition screen print by J. Harrison, 1971. This intricately detailed abstract pattern undulates across the orange background with psychedelic...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Ray Smith Art

Materials

Paper, Printer's Ink, Screen

after Henri Matisse, "Sitting Blue Nude"
By Henri Matisse
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Lithograph after Henri Matisse - Sitting Blue Nude Artist : after Henri MATISSE Edition of 200 76 x 56 cm With stamp of the Succession Matisse References : Artvalue - Succession Ma...
Category

1950s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

after Henri Matisse,  "Sitting Blue Nude"
after Henri Matisse,  "Sitting Blue Nude"
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 0.04 in
Jean Cocteau - White Book - Original Handcolored Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Jean Cocteau White Book - Autobiography about Cocteau's discovery of his homosexuality. The book was first published anonymously and created a scandal. Original Handcolored Lithograp...
Category

1930s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Matisse, Nu Bleu XII (Duthuit 139), Verve: Revue Artistique (after)
By Henri Matisse
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on vélin du Marais paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the volume, Verve: Revue Artistique et Littéraire, Vol. IX, N° 35-36...
Category

1950s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Matisse, La Tristesse du Roi (Duthuit 139), Verve: Revue Artistique (after)
By Henri Matisse
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on vélin du Marais paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From the volume, Verve: Revue Artistique et Li...
Category

1950s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Oil Portrait of a Victorian Lady, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Painted in the 19th century, this exquisite miniature portrait wonderfully exemplifies realism in traditional oil painting. The small artwork is painted in the conventional portraiture style of the Old Masters, and achieves soft realism with fine brushwork and a subdued, neutral palette. The half length portrait depicts a fine Victorian woman dressed in all black with a delicate lace collar and bonnet. She wears a ruby broach...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Ray Smith Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait Of A Young Woman
By Adriano Goby
Located in San Francisco, CA
Adriano Goby 19th century oil portrait of a beautiful young lady, circa 1890s Superb antique oil portrait, possibly, French. The painting is signed in the upper left corner (see pic...
Category

Late 19th Century Impressionist Ray Smith Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Lady in Red Dress on Porch c.1680, English Aristocratic Provenance
Located in London, GB
Presented by Titan Fine Art, this painting formed part of a historic collection of an English aristocratic family, Lord and Lady Sandys at their magnificent baroque and Regency Grade-I listed family home, Ombersley Court. The house was among the most fascinating survivals of its kind in this country. The atmospheric interiors were distinguished above all for the works of art associated with two key moments in national history. The collection was acquired or commissioned over five centuries and remained at Ombersley Court until its recent sale, the first in 294 years. This portrait hung in the Grand Hall. This exquisite grand manner work is an evocative example of the type of portrait in vogue during a large part of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The artist has depicted an elegant lady, three quarter length and seated on porch with a luxurious crimson swag curtain by her side. The clothing – known as “undress” at the time, consists of red silk fastened at the front and sleeves by large gold and diamond jewels over a simple white chemise. In her lap she holds a blue wrap and in her other hand, at her chest, she clutches the end of a sheer gauzy scarf that has been draped around her body with the other end a type of headdress – this type of sheer scarf was often employed by Wissing in his portraits. The classical architecture signifies cultivation and sophistication and the luxurious swag curtain is a signifier of wealth. The portrait can be dated to circa 1680 based on the sitter’s attire, the “hurluberlu” hairstyle, and other portraits by Wissing using the same formula. This oil on canvas portrait has been well cared for over its life, which spans almost 350 years. Having recently been treated to remove an obscuring discoloured varnish, the finer details and proper colour can now be fully appreciated. Once owned by Evesham Abbey, the manor of Ombersley was acquired by the Sandys family in the early 1600s, when Sir Samuel Sandys, the eldest son of Edwin Sandys, Bishop of Worcester and later Archbishop of York, took a lease on the manor, before receiving an outright grant in 1614. The present house, Ombersley Court, dates from the time of Samuel, 1st Lord Sandys, between 1723 and 1730. The house itself is a fine example of an English Georgian country house set in rolling countryside and surrounded by Wellingtonias, planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo by Arthur Hill, 2nd Baron Sandys, who played a distinguished part in the battle and was one of the Duke of Wellington’s aides de camp. The Duke also stayed in the house and in the Great Hall, was the Waterloo banner which was brought to the house by Sir Arthur Hill, aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington, who succeeded his mother, the Marchioness of Downshire as 2nd Lord Sandys. Further Waterloo memorabilia are kettle drums from battle. The family had a strong tradition of military and political service, dating back to the 17th century, and this was also reflected in the fine collection of portraits and paintings in the house. In short, Ombersley represented a vital aspect of British history. The house and more especially the collection were of the greatest historical importance. Houses that have remained in the possession of the same family for as many as three centuries have become increasingly rare. Through this portrait, collectors have a chance to acquire a piece of British history and an evocative vestige of a glittering way of life, which is now gone. Much of the attractiveness of this portrait resides in its graceful manner and the utter beauty of the youthful sitter. Presented in a beautiful carved and gilded period frame, which is a work of art in itself. Willem Wissing was a Dutch artist who enjoyed a solid artistic training at The Hague under Arnold van Ravesteyn (c.1650-1690) and Willem Dougijns (1630-1697). He came to London in 1676 and most probably joined the studio or Sir Peter Lely as an assistant that same year. After Lely’s death in 1680 he effectively took over his business and he scaled the heights of patronage with extraordinary ease, creating an independent practise in 1687, and painted for very important aristocratic patrons. King Charles II was so impressed by a portrait Wissing painted of his son, the Duke of Monmouth, in 1683 that he commissioned his own portrait and that of his Queen Catherine...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Ray Smith Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ignore the Ghosts
By David Shrigley
Located in London, GB
David Shrigley Ignore the Ghosts, 2022 Screenprint in eleven colours with varnish overlay on Somerset Satin Tub Sized 410gsm paper Signed by the artist and numbered, on verso 76 x 56...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Screen

Matisse Mother and Child Reading
By (after) Henri Matisse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Henri Matisse's Planche 51 from the 1920 portfolio Cinquante Dessins features a tender scene of two female figures: an older woman standing to the left and a young girl with long hai...
Category

1920s Impressionist Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Previously Available Items
Serie: Abstractos con espejo 2
By Ray Smith
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Mixed technique
Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Early Ray Smith Diptych
By Ray Smith
Located in Dallas, TX
Early Ray Smith oil painting diptych on canvas titled 'Bride to Wings'. Measurements are for each panel. A very modernist piece that is atypical of Smith's...
Category

1970s Mexican Modern Vintage Ray Smith Art

Materials

Canvas

Ray Smith art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ray Smith art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ray Smith in glass, mirror, ceramic and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Ray Smith art, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Randi Grantham, Duane Paul, and L.G.. Ray Smith art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $20,000, while the average work can sell for $15,000.

Artists Similar to Ray Smith

Recently Viewed

View All