In the Galleries: Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith describes his work as "The belle epoque on acid." He starts with rigidly posed gentlemen of the 19th-century, then loses his mind a little with the paint, color, and texture. The rectitude of the models clashes happily with the gonzo rendering. He has liberated the Victorian era.

Smith's work blends happily with the moment: Beard fetishism, bear culture, and steampunk all meet cute in his work. The paintings look great online, and to see them full-size is dazzling.

See more of his work here on our site, and get to know Aaron on his own site here.

“In the Snuggery of Airs and Graces,” new paintings by Aaron Smith, Gregorio Escalante Gallery, 978 Chung King Rd., Los Angeles
Reception: Saturday, November 21, 7 to 11 p.m. Exhibition: November 22 through January 3. Gallery Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Please visit SloanFineArt.com for holiday closure dates.

Pictured: Percy, 2015, oil on panel, 40”x30”