Paul Smith - Narrative Abstract Painting & Contemporary Landscapes

Paul Smith is a distinguished London-based artist, originally from Sunderland, whose work bridges the gap between memory and geography. His practice is characterized by a deep exploration of 'edgelands'—the seemingly banal non-places on the fringes of urban development—which he depicts through a lens of narrative abstract painting and collage. Paul Smith’s compositions often feature oil on linen or canvas, documenting a fascination with abandoned spaces, psychological marginalia, and the trace of human presence within suburban landscapes. With a robust exhibition history across the United Kingdom, including shows at the Royal Academy and various solo exhibitions like 'Are You Leaving for the Country?', his art captures the 'uncanny' in everyday surroundings. Paul Smith is also known for his curation of collaborative projects and his participation in prestigious awards like the Beep Painting Prize. His work is held in numerous collections and continues to push the boundaries of how contemporary Englishness is visualized through the layering of found materials and historical dialogue by exploring the lost and the found within the territory.