Beverly Hills Stratigraphy
Mixed media collage on panel/board • Attributed to Adam Smith (Contemporary artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Mixed Media / Pop-Surrealism. The work shares sensibilities with 'New Topographics' photography integrated with illustrative painting.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media involving photographic paper collage, acrylic painting, and likely gel medium for adhesion. The piece uses a montage of found or captured photographs integrated with flatly applied earth-toned paint.
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (c. 2010-2024)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
The composition is a cross-section or stratigraphic view of a landscape. The top layer depicts a desert highway with a sign for 'Beverly Hills' (Exit 248), suggesting the outskirts of Los Angeles. Beneath this 'surface' layer sits a deep brown earth-like mass containing 'pockets' of imagery: coastal/ocean views and floral clusters. It explores the relationship between the built environment, subterranean nature, and idealized memories of California.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface texture from collage edges and slight unevenness in the coating.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a local contemporary gallery. Currently held in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents a contemporary exploration of the American West, utilizing the layering of images to comment on the psychological vs. physical landscape. It fits within a niche of regional contemporary artists blending photography with traditional painting to challenge the viewer's perception of perspective.
Notable Features
Includes a specific road sign for Beverly Hills (Exit 248), grounding the surrealist composition in a specific geographic reality. The contrast between the matte brown paint and the glossy photographic inserts is a key tactile feature.
Condition Issues
Visible seams between photographic elements; potential for lifting at the edges of the collage overtime; slight surface scratches in the dark paint areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be framed under UV-filtering glass to prevent fading of the photographic elements. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment to prevent expansion/contraction of the panel which could cause collage delamination.
Collector Notes
Adam smith