Shinique Smith at CAAM

Even the homeless find ways of making themselves at home. The so-called encampments comprised of tents, sleeping bags, piles of clothes, plastic crates and lanterns are evidence of each individual’s need for refuge. Refuge is the title of Shinique Smith’s exhibition at the California African American Museum. Refuge is the title of Shinique Smith’s exhibition at the California African American Museum, organized by independent curator Essence Harden.

The artist uses scraps of fabrics and cast off clothes to make an art exhibition of poignant connections to conditions just a few blocks away from the museum.

Shinique Smith.The Watcher (moon marked she walks in starlight), 2018. Clothing, fabric, pillows, ribbons, rope and found objects. Shinique Smith: Refuge at the California African American Museum. Courtesy the artist and David Castillo Gallery, Miami.

Shinique Smith. Sky Cloth, 2018. Clothing fabric tarp and blankets 11.5’ x 24.5’ Shinique Smith: Refuge at the California African American Museum. Photos by Brian Forrest and courtesy the artist and David Castillo Gallery, Miami.

Shinique Smith. Beneath the Blue Veil, 2016. Ink, acrylic, fabric, collage, ribbon, yam, and objects on canvas over wood panel

70 x 48 x 6 inches. Shinique Smith: Refuge at the California African American Museum. Photos by Brian Forrest and courtesy the artist and David Castillo Gallery, Miami.

Shinique Smith. Through native streets, 2011. Ink, acrylic, fabric, collage and objects on canvas over wood panel. 60 x 48 x 5 inches. Shinique Smith: Refuge at the California African American Museum.Courtesy the artist and David Castillo Gallery, Miami.

One corner of the space features a triangular seating arrangement for Mitumba, an overstuffed and appealing deity.

Shinique Smith. Bale Variant No 0021 (Holiday), 2011-18. Clothing, fabric, objects, wrapping paper, holiday gifts, ribbon and rope. 79 x 30 x 30 inches Shinique Smith: Refuge at the California African American Museum. Photos by Brian Forrest and courtesy the artist and David Castillo Gallery, Miami.

Other shows on view include Nicole Miller’s video portraits made in the largely black neighborhood of Athens, outside of L.A.and the eye-opening and extremely enjoyable How Sweet the Sound: Gospel Music in Los Angeles, which is overflowing with facts about the city’s evolution and it’s relationship with a growing black population in the past century.

through Sept. 9.