Kiki Smith's 'Flight' at Galerie Lelong Explores Avian Symbolism

Kiki Smith's exhibition titled 'Flight' is being showcased at Galerie Lelong in Paris from May 21 to July 11, 2026. This display includes bronze sculptures, stained glass pieces, prints, and drawings that focus on avian themes. Birds such as eagles, owls, and doves frequently appear in various forms. By incorporating elements of mythology and natural history, Smith investigates the ways humans attribute significance to the nonhuman realm. The use of bronze and stained glass, materials linked to reverence and permanence, enables her to delve into concepts of stability and transience. The stained glass alters the perception of the artwork as light shifts throughout the day. The exhibition reflects on flight as a metaphor for the transition between the physical and spiritual realms, positioning the human form within a broader context of animals, plants, and celestial entities.