"Staircase Wit" by Adrien Smart at Gallery Merrick

“l’homme sensible, comme moi, tout entier à ce qu'on lui objecte, perd la tête et ne se retrouve qu'au bas de l'escalier" – Denis Diderot, ("Paradox on the Comedian")

Staircase Wit is a series that explores the individual caught in a moment of contemplation.

The term comes from Denis Diderot, who paints a picture of an individual who is only able to conceive of the perfect response after the moment has passed. Before the show had taken its form, and serendipitously, Adrien was asked if he had any ideas for his debut solo-show. He replied “Not yet, but I’ll come up with something good,” only to be stricken with the concept for “Staircase Wit” on the drive home to his studio.

Adrien dedicates this series to his three sisters, Laura, Bonnie, & Dana, whom he considers to be the source of his creative side. It is also dedicated to his partner Chelsea, who brought painting supplies over for date night, and might not realize that in doing so, gave him the tools to run towards the dreams his sisters nurtured.

Smart completed his first artist’s residency in Belgrade, Serbia in March 2022, and has been featured in group shows at Metchosin Art Pod, Staying Creative Gallery, and the Sooke Fine Arts Show. He competed in Victoria City Finals at Art Battle, and was a recent student of Joe Bembridge’s mentorship program through Gallery Merrick. “Staircase Wit” is his debut solo-show, and is the unveiling of his largest and boldest body of work to date.

Join us for an opening reception on November 18th, 12-3pm at Gallery Merrick.

This show will be on display from November 18th to 26th.