David Smith

David Smith was an influential and innovative American abstract expressionist sculptor and painter, best known for creating large steel abstract geometric sculptures.

Sculptor

March 9, 1906

May 23, 1965

59

David Smith was a prominent and innovative American abstract expressionist sculptor and painter, renowned for his large steel abstract geometric sculptures. As the first artist to work with welded metal, he developed a rich mythology surrounding his robust creations. Some of his most famous works include the “Cubi” series of geometric sculptures, which were displayed in New York and Europe during the 1960s. Smith’s experience as an airplane mechanic during World War II influenced his later sculptures, which incorporated airplane parts and scrap metal. He was awarded the Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture and the Edward MacDowell Medal for his outstanding contributions to the arts. A notable aspect of David Smith’s career is that he was among the most significant American sculptors of the 20th century, pioneering the use of welded metal in his art. He often discussed his formative experiences working in a car body workshop, which contributed to the mythology surrounding his work.