TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER

Space exploration and molecules have always been interesting to Christopher Smith.

So when the self-proclaimed “nerdy kid” chose Physics as his major, he didn’t plan on switching to art.

“My mom used to paint and buy me art supplies,” Smith said. “Then it progressively turned into something I want to do.”

Smith said his work can be considered “scientific molecular abstractions.”

Smith’s paintings resemble computer graphics.

His work is currently part of the Notes from the Artist Underground exhibit in Foster Hall.

The exhibit features lowbrow art, according to Darius Spieth, art history professor and the exhibit’s curator.

Lowbrow art resembles street art, graffiti and advertisements rather than fine art, he said.

Spieth said it defines the current generation.

“This art draws from material culture,” he said. “You won’t find references to Shakespeare.”

The movement originated in California and New York in the 80’s. Lowbrow resulted from young people tiring of abstract art from the 60’s.

“A whole generation of younger artists wanted more visual content,” Spieth said.

Lowbrow creates responses in viewers’ minds.

“You don’t always exactly know the reference, but subconsciously there are responses,” Spieth said.

For example, one painting with repeated images of a man evoked the idea of totalitarianism, he said.

Recurring motifs in lowbrow art include folk art, iconography and maximum content.

“There’s so much more going on,” Spieth said.

Whether lowbrow art will sustain the test of time is still unclear, he said.

“Certainly some artists, but not all of them,” he said.

The exhibit will run until December 14.