At Mac Val, artist-researcher SMITH invites an experience at the edges of consciousness

French artist SMITH, born in Paris in 1985, presents a twenty-year survey titled "Ici grand ouvert" at the Mac Val (Musée d'art contemporain du Val-de-Marne). The exhibition, described as a "rétro-prospective" rather than a traditional retrospective, features photographs, videos, installations, and performances that explore altered states of consciousness, fluidity, and metamorphosis. Works range from the photographic journal "Löyly" (2007–2012) to the ongoing series "Dami" (2022–), and the show includes a relocated studio where the artist will create new pieces during the nine-month run. The display eschews conventional labels and walls, inviting visitors to lie on beds for an immersive experience, and monthly "Mues collectives" events involve scientists such as cosmologist Jean-Philip.

This exhibition matters because it highlights the growing recognition of interdisciplinary, research-based art practices that merge philosophy, technology, and spirituality. SMITH's use of thermal cameras, subcutaneous chip implants, and collaborative methods with scientists positions him at the forefront of art-science dialogue. By transforming the museum into a living studio and emphasizing sensory, non-hierarchical engagement, "Ici grand ouvert" challenges conventional exhibition formats and reflects broader institutional shifts toward process-oriented, participatory art.