be/long/ing

be/long/ing

A visual exploration of lost ancestral culture and how we come to find we belong no place, every place, and to ourselves. An exhibition of work from Uli Smith.

Gallery

Exibition Dates: October 21, 2024 - November 14, 2024

Artist Statement

In "be/long/ing," I embark on a visual journey to explore the complexities of ancestral culture, identity, and belonging. This collection of acrylic and mixed media paintings reflects a personal and communal reclamation—an attempt to rediscover the roots that have been lost to time, migration, and cultural disconnection. It speaks to the experience of finding oneself at the intersection of many places, yet truly belonging nowhere but within.

Through vibrant portraits, I depict individuals who have forged a sense of belonging in different ways—by reconnecting with nature and their cultural heritage, through community, and by cultivating an inner sense of home. The native flora and fauna woven into these pieces symbolize the interconnectedness of people and the natural world, serving as reminders that belonging is not just about place but about our relationship with the land, others, and ourselves.

This work invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of belonging. Whether you see yourself in these faces or find comfort in the natural elements, this exhibition is an open space for contemplation and reconnection. The themes in "be/long/ing" are universal, touching on the human need for connection and the ongoing quest to understand where and how we truly belong.

I invite you to join me in this exploration and to consider your own path toward reclaiming and redefining belonging—within your community, the world around you, and, most importantly, within yourself.

Quick Information

• Name

  The Gallery

• Phone

  916-278-7250

• Email

  uniongallery@unionwellinc.org

• Hours