Patsy Smith is a Victorian Taungurung traditional owner. Patsy’s work reflects themes of displacement, reconnection, cultural heritage, community, tradition and pride. Her imagery draws the viewer in and encourages an emotional response to the work. It is reflective, strong and possesses honest integrity. Her imagery draws the viewer in and encourages an emotional response to the work.
“Photography is the medium I work best with because it allows me to layer the various worlds that I live in. We all live and breathe and eat the same but as an Indigenous person, there’s always another layer that guides you. My works represent that complex relationship. What impacts on me is that the picture is only one dimensional but in my mind I see the other dimensions that create the story’s depth. Sometimes, the stories come too quickly. I start adding layers and layers and then find I have to simplify the image. Other times, I can tell the story with a couple of layers. Sometimes though, the image is enough on its own. It tells a story and you don’t want to do anymore with it.”
 
Selected Exhibitions
2021 Nerdudara/Djumi (Then/Now) 10+1 , Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Mornington
2021 Healing Country, Frankston Art Centre, Frankston
2014 Mungan – Bayside Bush Sculptures, Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
2014 Ganggan-Baluk, Flinders Lane Gallery, Melbourne
2014 Healing with Intent, The Dax Centre, Melbourne
2014 Diverse/City, The Light Factory Gallery, Eltham
2013 Gawang – Head, Baluk Arts, Mornington
2012 Ngarrambel, Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey
2010 Biik, Until Never Gallery, Hosier Lane, Melbourne
2009 Nairm Djambana, City Library Gallery, Melbourne
2008 Gumbri: White Dove, City of Darebin Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, VIC
2008 Kodak Salon, Centre of Contemporary Photography, Melbourne VIC