The Unseen Works
A collection of canvases whose backs have enjoyed an exclusive, years-long exhibition.
A very serious exhibition of very private work
The art
of almost.
Meet Smiley: tall, redheaded, magnificently mustached, and possibly the most prolific artist nobody has ever seen. This exhibition honors the masterpieces still awaiting their public debut.
Admission free. Actual artwork subject to availability.
The permanent collection
Selected Works — None Currently Available
The Unheard Recordings
Compositions known to exist primarily through enthusiastic descriptions from the composer.
Years of Almost
A long-running conceptual series examining the phrase “I’ll show you when it’s ready.”
Special exhibition / A brief history of lightACQUISITION, NOT INVENTION · DATE UNKNOWN
The flashlight
era.
At one point, Smiley owned a flashlight company. To be precise, he purchased it. He did not found it, invent the flashlight, or personally discover electricity.
For a moment, his future looked bright. Then the venture went dark and he lost it all. The museum has preserved this chapter as a rare example of a business metaphor doing all the work.
Exhibit status: switched off indefinitely.
Gallery II / The creative process
The research
phase.
Here we see the artist conducting extensive research on his phone, occasionally glancing toward a canvas. The museum has classified this as an ongoing installation.
Medium: screen time, anticipation, one very patient canvas.
Gallery III / Audio archive
A private
premiere.
His debut album is an exclusive listening experience. So exclusive that nobody has ever heard it. The keyboard remains on permanent loan to the studio.
Please do not ask to hear a sample. The artist is still perfecting it.
Curator’s note
In progress.
Still in progress.
Almost ready.
A note from the curators
The next great exhibition
could begin with one shared piece.
Smiley, we would actually like to see the art and hear the music. Pick one thing. Show somebody. The opening night can be wherever you are.