56 Henry Gallery has partnered with artist Josh Smith and art dealer Leo Fitzpatrick to curate an exhibition focused on small format paintings, all measuring 8 x 10 inches. The show brings together established artists and skaters, featuring works by Nicole Eisenman, Rita Ackermann, Wade Guyton, and Fred Tomaselli, among others. Smith contributed a painting of the film credits rather than his signature motifs, and the exhibition's spray-painted sign signals a deliberate departure from conventional gallery presentation.
This exhibition matters because it reflects a broader trend of established artists and dealers organizing shows that integrate their personal passions—here, skate culture—into the art world. The small format challenges the contemporary preference for large-scale works, while the collaborative, democratic spirit of the show emphasizes community and creative freedom over profit. In a moment of declining auction sales, such initiatives signal a shift toward more intimate, rebellious, and multidimensional expressions in the art market.