Yasmin Smith: New Exhibition Examines The Links Between Us & Environmental History

Interested in art exploring the deep interconnections between human and environmental histories? Then the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)’s major new exhibition by Sydney-born artist, Yasmin Smith, might be something for you to look out for.

Yasmin Smith: Elemental life zooms in on the deep interconnections between human and environmental history, explored through new ceramic sculptural installations.

Smith is best known for her past work with ambitious ceramic installations that are created through field research combined with community collaboration, where she combines landscape materials to explore themes such as environmental issues, pollution and human impact on nature.

Her investigative approach was shaped by time spent in Hermannsburg, Central Australia, where she worked with local potters on a project exploring the mission era’s material culture. Earlier archaeological work in Spain’s Clunia also informed her practice, grounding her art in the patient, layered process of excavation — both literal and emotional.

“I think it’s important to see there are other living things on this planet that have the ability to communicate information, the ability to absorb things and retain reservoirs of history,” Smith explained in a statement. “We can learn something that might help us be more closely connected to the Earth”.

This summarises her intention with the exhibition where her main goal is to invite the audience to reflect on how the history of human and environmental histories is evident in natural materials.

Elemental Life also explores Sydney Harbour’s geological formation

Elemental Life brings together both previous and new work from Smith. Some of Smith’s previous exhibitions and installations included at MCA are projects such as: “Seine River Basin” (2019), originally made in France and exhibited the Centre Pompidou and “Drowned River Valley” (2016-2018), which references Sydney Harbour’s geological formation and layered histories of salt production and maritime infrastructure.

These previous works are now part of this comprehensive Sydney exhibition and included in the new Australian exhibition is the premiere of two new works, “Manchester Driftwood” and “Chicxulub” (both from 2025).

The common theme of these works is the focus on how natural materials carries hidden stories about humans and the planet – either through pollution or previous geographical catastrophes. Both conveyed through creative and raw materials, textures and aesthetics.

Yasmin Smith: Elemental life is showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia until June 8, 2026.