Dr. Rob Smith

Dr. Rob Smith is a visual artist and independent researcher based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. His practice applies digital tools and material processes to explore new approaches to sited and situated art practices and investigate complex understandings of human interactions with their environment.

He has exhibited works, undertaken residencies and commissions nationally and internationally since 2002. Recent projects include Soundmirror, a commission for the Seascapes Partnership focusing on the heritage of the North East coast and Habit, Ability! at The NewBridge Project, Newcastle. He has also shown work with Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge, Siobhan Davies Studios, London, Den Frie, Copenhagen & IMT Gallery, and worked with many project partners including National Trust, Lux, Camden Arts Centre, Flat Time House as well as various academic institutions.

Rob has also helped develop a number of artist led projects and actively explores the possibilities of collaborative and shared practices. Collaborators include Charles Danby, Frank Abbott, Fritha Jenkins and The Office of Experiments. Rob currently co-directs ArtHouses in Whitley Bay with Sophie Buxton, and is co-director of the live broadcast project Field Broadcast with Rebecca Birch.

Rob Smith has a postgraduate diploma in sculpture from The Royal Academy Schools, London (2002) and in 2019 was awarded a PhD for his thesis, Composing Doggerland; How can the North Sea inform new approaches to situated arts practices in the context of the Anthropocene?