JENNY HERBERT-SMITH

Based in Australia, Jenny Herbert-Smith is an artist and sculptor working with experimental forms, drawing, and material exploration.

During her three-week residency at Boisbuchet, Jenny Herbert-Smith set out to create large-scale paintings inspired by the vast space of the barn. As a sculptor accustomed to engaging her whole body in making, she approached the canvas as a physical extension of movement — working on the wall, floor, and table simultaneously.

While she intended to explore minimalist compositions, she quickly discovered that her instinct is maximalist — responding to space and gesture with energetic, layered marks. This shift led to a bold, expressive body of work, alongside a surprising series of smaller works on paper.

The residency offered not just time and space, but a dynamic exchange with fellow artists, staff, and volunteers. Their input encouraged her to lean into this new direction. The final highlight was installing her work in a bamboo conference structure — a transformative alternative to the white-walled gallery and a perfect reflection of the architectural dialogue present in her process.