Sable Elyse Smith's 'Clockwork' Critiques Carceral System Through Minimalist Forms
Sable Elyse Smith's exhibition 'Clockwork' is now showing at the Contemporary Austin, running until August 2, 2026. The exhibit, which earned her the prestigious 2026 Suzanne Deal Booth / FLAG Art Foundation Prize, features a diverse collection, including paintings, sculptures, and video installations. In particular, ground-level artworks draw inspiration from children's coloring books, using minimalistic designs to comment on systemic injustices. Featured videos, 'LAUGH TRACK, OR WHO'S THAT PEEKING IN MY WINDOW' (2021) and 'skin suit' (2025), explore racial profiling through a blend of police shows and body camera footage. The exhibition will move to the FLAG Art Foundation in New York in September.
Key facts
- Sable Elyse Smith's exhibition 'Clockwork' is at the Contemporary Austin through August 2, 2026.
- The exhibition is the culmination of Smith winning the 2026 Suzanne Deal Booth / FLAG Art Foundation Prize.
- The show includes paintings, sculptures, and videos critiquing the US carceral system.
- Paintings on the first floor appropriate prison coloring books for visiting children.
- Video 'LAUGH TRACK, OR WHO'S THAT PEEKING IN MY WINDOW' (2021) uses police reality TV footage.
- Video 'skin suit' (2025) contrasts treatment of White and Black individuals by police.
- Sculptures are made from prison chairs and tables permanently drilled into the floor.
- The exhibition will travel to the FLAG Art Foundation in New York in September, curated by Jonathan Rider.
Entities
Artists
- Sable Elyse Smith
- Samaira Wilson
Institutions
- Contemporary Austin
- FLAG Art Foundation
- Suzanne Deal Booth / FLAG Art Foundation Prize
- The Contemporary Austin
- Whitney Biennial
Locations
- Austin
- Texas
- United States
- New York