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.

Artist: Ray Smith

Ray SmithSueño de un Boy Scout by Ray Smith surreal nude print in green and yellow, 1988-89

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

Ray SmithCartas de Japon by Ray Smith surreal Dali esque print Japanese portfolio, 1988-89

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

Ray SmithVase 5, 2018

Vase 5

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Vase Ceramics

Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ray Smith"The Wait" 2020 signed original limited edition silkscreen 12x18in abstract, 2020

"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

Ray SmithSerie: Mujeres con espejo 5, 2016

Serie: Mujeres con espejo 5

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Mixed technique

Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Ray SmithBlue Mirror, 2018

Blue Mirror

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Painted mirror

Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Ray SmithSerie: Abstractos con espejo 8, 2016

Serie: Abstractos con espejo 8

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Mixed technique

Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Ray SmithRed Mirror, 2018

Red Mirror

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Painted mirror

Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Ray SmithVase 6, 2018

Vase 6

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Vase Ceramics

Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ray SmithVase 3, 2018

Vase 3

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Vase Ceramics

Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ray SmithWhite Mirror, 2018

White Mirror

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Painted mirror in white

Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Ray SmithVase 2, 2018

Vase 2

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Vase Ceramics

Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ray SmithVase 1, 2018

Vase 1

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Vase Ceramics

Category

2010s Ray Smith Art

Materials

Ceramic

Ray SmithYellow Mirror, 2018

Yellow Mirror

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Painted mirror in yellow

Category

2010s Abstract Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror

Natasha Lelenco"Currency #201" Blue Portrait Artwork with French Text on Red Background, 2024

H 0.99 in Dm 10.24 in

"Currency #201" Blue Portrait Artwork with French Text on Red Background

By Natasha Lelenco

Located in FISTERRA, ES

“Currency #201” is a circular mixed media portrait on wood featuring a surreal blue figure against a vibrant red background. Around the head, the French inscription reads: “Nous, les...

Category

2010s Pop Art Ray Smith Art

Materials

Wood, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Harry BunceTea for two – Tod, 2017

H 16.15 in W 19.3 in D 0.04 in

Tea for two – Tod

By Harry Bunce

Located in Deddington, GB

Tea for two – Tod by Harry Bunce [2017] limited_edition Screen Print Edition number 146 Image size: H:25 cm x W:31 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:41 cm x W:49 cm x D:0.3cm Sol...

Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Paper, Screen

Oil Portrait of a Victorian Lady, c. 1850, c. 1850

H 13.75 in W 11.5 in D 1.75 in

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

Jean CocteauJean Cocteau - White Book - Original Handcolored Lithograph, 1930

H 11.19 in W 8.98 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

Pablo PicassoLe Couple, 1951

Le Couple

By Pablo Picasso

Located in New York, NY

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Le Couple, 1951, drypoint on chine volant, signed lower right margin and numbered (5/XI) lower left margin. References: Bloch 690,...

Category

1950s Cubist Ray Smith Art

Materials

Drypoint

Jean CocteauJean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph, 1961

H 22.05 in W 14.97 in D 0.04 in

Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Edition: 200 In Rives From: COCTEAU. — VERDET (André). Montagnes marines. S. l. (Paris), Les Messagers du...

Category

1960s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sir Peter LelyPortrait of Lady Diana Bruce in Blue Dress & Cut Sleeves c.1660-1670, Peter Lely, circa 1660-1670

H 34.65 in W 31.11 in D 2.37 in

Portrait of Lady Diana Bruce in Blue Dress & Cut Sleeves c.1660-1670, Peter Lely

By Sir Peter Lely

Located in London, GB

Portrait of Lady Diana Bruce in a Blue Dress with Cut Sleeves c.1660-1670 Circle of Sir Peter Lely (1616-1680) Presented by Titan Fine Art is a captivating portrait of the noble Lad...

Category

17th Century Old Masters Ray Smith Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Sir Peter LelyPortrait of a Lady, in Black Dress with Red Satin Sleeves and Pearls c.1660-1680, c.1660–1680

H 52.17 in W 45.08 in D 2.76 in

Portrait of a Lady, in Black Dress with Red Satin Sleeves and Pearls c.1660-1680

By Sir Peter Lely

Located in London, GB

Portrait of a Lady, in a Black Dress with Red Satin Sleeves and Pearls English School c.1660–1680 Circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) This striking portrait is a compelling exampl...

Category

17th Century Old Masters Ray Smith Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Bill OgdenOriginal Palm Springs Desert Oasis psychedelic vintage poster, 1969

H 34 in W 20.5 in D 0.05 in

Original Palm Springs Desert Oasis psychedelic vintage poster

Located in Spokane, WA

Original poster: Palm Springs The Desert Oasis original poster by Bill Ogden. The poster is not linen-backed. Excellent condition. Mint. 1969. ...

Category

1960s American Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Offset

Jean CocteauJean Cocteau - Parametabolismes - Original Lithograph, 1956

H 15.36 in W 11.42 in D 0.04 in

Jean Cocteau - Parametabolismes - Original Lithograph

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Jean Cocteau - Parametabolismes - Original Lithograph Signed "Jean Cocteau" in the plate and dated 1956 in the plate. 39 x 29 cm Edition: 500 Hand numbered Stamp signed lower right

Category

1950s Modern Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Frank LicskoSPELLBOUND Signed Lithograph, Contemporary Nude Woman, Golden Sunset, Erotic Art, 1989

H 25 in W 36 in

SPELLBOUND Signed Lithograph, Contemporary Nude Woman, Golden Sunset, Erotic Art

By Frank Licsko

Located in Union City, NJ

SPELLBOUND is an original hand drawn lithograph(not a photo reproduction or digital print) printed using traditional hand lithography techniques on archival Arches paper, 100% acid f...

Category

1980s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Lithograph

Roy LichtensteinRoy Lichtenstein Nude With Blue Hair, Signed, 1994, Relief Print, 1994

H 57.88 in Dm 37.63 in

Roy Lichtenstein Nude With Blue Hair, Signed, 1994, Relief Print

By Roy Lichtenstein

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: Roy Lichtenstein Title: Nude With Blue Hair Medium: Relief print on Rives BFK mold-made paper Date: 1994 Edition: 28/40 Frame Size: 60 3/4" x 40 3/4" Sheet Size: 57 7/8" x 37...

Category

1990s Pop Art Ray Smith Art

Materials

Woodcut

Previously Available Items

Ray SmithSerie: Abstractos con espejo 2, 2016

H 17.72 in W 15.75 in

Serie: Abstractos con espejo 2

By Ray Smith

Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos

Mixed technique

Category

2010s Contemporary Ray Smith Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

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.