Kiki (Smith)

This daguerreotype, "Kiki (Smith)," captures a moment through a medium popular in the mid-19th century, yet the artist, Willi Smith, was a renowned fashion designer active in the late 20th century. This intriguing anachronism suggests the artwork may not be by the celebrated Willi Smith (1948-1987), or it could be a posthumous work, a tribute, or perhaps even a misattribution. Willi Smith, known for democratizing fashion with his accessible and affordable WilliWear line, was a prolific collaborator with artists, dancers, and filmmakers. His work often challenged traditional boundaries, presenting fashion in unconventional settings and through innovative media like film. If this piece is indeed connected to the fashion designer, it would represent a significant departure from his known artistic output, which primarily revolved around clothing design and related multimedia projects. The title's parenthetical (Smith) further hints at a possible connection or a deliberate play on names. Without additional context, the true nature of this daguerreotype within Willi Smith's oeuvre remains a fascinating puzzle.