"The paintings in [Emily Joyce's] third solo exhibition at David B. Smith Gallery are practically peelable, layered as they are with color, shape, symbolism, history and science, mock texture, mathematics, and source material. The art in Deal, or, How I Became Radioactive, now on view through February 21, has a friendly exhilaration that chatters off the walls. And best of all, Joyce’s work attests that the best art always knows the shape of its own container.
The artist’s fixation on self-imposed constraints is evident in the geometry that animates Deal. The gallery is full of interlocking shapes with crisp lines. Deal, or, How I Became Radioactive does not require a pre-existing education in art or history to enjoy, and many viewers will find Joyce’s paintings activating without much context. But the paintings get chatty as soon as the viewer starts peeling, uncovering each new subtle subtext and riddle and wink. It is work that does not demand knowledge, but is still enhanced by knowing."
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Janvier 27, 2026
