[](https://flaunt-mag.squarespace.com/config/pages/587fe9d4d2b857e5d49ca782#)[](https://flaunt-mag.squarespace.com/config/pages/587fe9d4d2b857e5d49ca782#)
Hauser Wirth & Schimmel: The Making of Revolution in the Making
We speak to artist Shinique Smith about her preparation for the Los Angeles Art Center's inaugural exhibition.
Last month, Hauser Wirth & Schimmel opened in a 100,000 square foot former flour mill in DTLA. The inaugural exhibition, organized in tandem by partner Paul Schimmel and curator Jenny Sorkin features solely studio-based female abstract sculptors. One of those selected for the show is the NY-based artist Shinique Smith who works primarily in cast-off clothing from her friends and family.
_Flaunt_ spoke to Smith about her practice, being included in this historic exhibition, and philosophy.
**On scavenging clothes/patterns for her art**
I think people get confused where that trend comes from. It’s been around a long time. My mom designed clothes, so we’d have those fabrics around and I’d always be around that.
**On the life cycle of a piece of clothing**
I’m interested from the origins of a piece of clothing to burial, absolutely.
**Did Tibetan Buddhism influence you?**
I was raised with a Polygnostic view and philosophy of the world. It influences my life and therefore influences the work.
**There’re now a few exhibitions that are all-women themed. Do you see this as a new thing in the art world, has it changed since you’ve been working?**
I’ve found that white men are at the forefront of everything, so, I hope the whole world is changing, with inclusion and opportunities, and art, and people of color.
**Regarding secrets: do you have any secrets, why do you keep them?**
Some things are secrets, and would be shared only with so many people because they lose more energy. In terms of making work, I couldn’t talk to everyone about \[my work\]. Sometimes I think I hold back on explaining the work because I don’t want to take away the mystery.
**How has social media changed contemporary art, if you think that it has?**
The main worry is that we think we’re really involved in something because we’re posting it in your feed.
**What does revolution mean to you?**
Forcing enlightenment, and forcing others to wake up.
**How do you force others to wake up?**
I guess by example. Sharing and asking.
.jpg)
