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Mankh

New Orleans, Louisiana

ancestral ascension psypher is an illustration with a large, detailed eyeball at the center of an abstract, colorful scene with swirling patterns, outlined figures, and various symbols surrounding the eye.

Ancestral Ascension Psypher

2024

Ancestral Matriarchal Origins is an abstract artwork featuring a large, symmetrical figure with intricate, geometric patterns, numbers, and symbols in gold, white, and black tones, set against a highly detailed background.

Ancestral Matriarchal Origins

2023

Cosmic Celestial Antiquities is an abstract, colorful artwork depicting a central human-like figure with geometric patterns, surrounded by cosmic, natural, and symbolic elements, including planets, trees, and clouds.

Cosmic Celestial Antiquities

2022

hey DJ is an abstract illustration with intricate, colorful patterns, numbers, swirling lines, a central heart shape, and a crowned eye at the top, all framed by overlapping circular designs.

hey DJ

2021

Artworks shown are selected from works submitted by the artist in their grant or residency application. All works are copyright of the artist or artist’s estate.

About Mankh

Mankh stands with a hand over his heart in front of a work table, with various abstract artworks hanging on the wall in a white walled studio with a tall window and paint-splattered floor. He is an Afro-indigenous man with medium skin tone, long dark dreadlocks pulled back, and a beard, wearing patterned sleeveless shirt and camouflage pattern pants.

Mankh (Albert Smith IV) is a multidisciplinary artist versed in sculpture, installation, and painting. Smith makes use of found and repurposed materials. He also works with metals and other found materials to create his installation pieces. The creative process is as natural and free as the materials that find him, with no pre-meditated design or sketch involved. Smith draws inspiration from various pools of wisdom ranging from ancient cultures to spiritual esotericism. His connection with nature, ancient symbolism, metaphysics, and antiquities can be traced in his diverse paintings. Inspiration from African spirituality systems, surrealism, and street culture aesthetics linger in the energy of his work. Movements of revolution in society have internally motivated him in his ideas.

Program Participation

Joan Mitchell Center Residency, 2025

Website / Social Links

“ I create art as a direct reflection of the largest part of my humanity. Art making is deeply and authentically interwoven with my life mission, to connect a life consciousness that's within us all.”