Art of Celebration Exhibition
3 may – 1 september 2025
national carnivals museum — 5211 nd den bosch, the netherlands
Selected carnivals, folklore, and religious festivities, from Mayflies at the Art of Celebration exhibition.
The exhibition explores the enduring legacy of carnival traditions, tracing their evolution from ancient religious rites, attempting to influence the gods in their decisions, to contemporary social spectacles. Steeped in history, these celebrations share universal elements — masks, costumes, dance, and communal gatherings — often symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Emerging from seasonal transitions, they form a rich, interconnected web of cultural rituals observed across the world.
These portraits highlight the deep cultural connections between diverse traditions, shaped by centuries of pagan rites, colonial influences, and medieval customs. Through his lens, Smith brings to life the immaterial heritage of carnival, revealing both its uniqueness and its shared human spirit.