Christopher Smith South Africa, b. 1994

From a young age, Smith’s artistic inclinations manifested, fuelled by a fascination with fantasy ignited by horror and science fiction films. These early influences laid the foundation for his creative journey, as he embarked on a path of self-discovery through photography. Armed with nothing more than a cell phone, a teenage Smith began capturing self-portraits, transforming his bedroom into a stage for his artistic visions.

His journey of self-discovery paralleled his own coming out, a pivotal moment that marked a newfound sense of liberation and in 2016, Smith made his debut on Instagram under the moniker @mechrissmith. What began as a personal exploration soon blossomed into a platform for artistic expression. With each photograph, Smith transcends the confines of his reality, embodying characters that range from the epitome of elegance to the depths of brutality mined from a myriad of references, from fashion and art history to cinema and images of war.

Smith’s creative process is as meticulous as it is imaginative, as he crafts every image by himself, from art direction, costume, hair and makeup, to set design; light, photography and, ultimately, as the subject in front of the camera. Despite the constraints of his surroundings, he employs resourcefulness and ingenuity to bring his visions to life, often relying on makeshift props and minimal equipment.

Through his work, Smith challenges perceptions and provokes introspection, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of beauty, sexuality, gender-norms and violence. For Smith, art is more than self-expression—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of imagination, and a celebration of the boundless possibilities of restless creativity.