Dwight Smith is an Equal Opportunity specialist and Chief of the Intake Branch in the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

He formerly spent 25 years in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded numerous medals, and served as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, public affairs officer, professor of military science and most recently as a special advisor to senior Afghan government officials for the NATO mission Operation Resolute Support.

Dwight is an avid art collector supporting local, national, and international artists. His collection has an emphasis on works by women and people of colour.

Last year brought about many changes as a result of the pandemic, what were the consequences for you as an art collector?

I would have to say that the level of access was notably expanded, business got a lot easier online, exponentially. The shift was evident very early on too, the folks who were able to pivot assumed the early spoils of the change brought forth.

Were there any works or artists that stood out for you during that time? Or were you surprised about any art movements or art market results?

An artist who I had been following since I first saw his work at Untitled Art Fair San Francisco/Jenkins Johnson Gallery was Basil Kincaid. Basil had already been selling limited edition prints of his digital collages and it was like having a direct line to the artist. I began to follow him in earnest on Instagram and grew to like the works and his process even more.

Many people who are new to buying art are looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have been buying art for a while, especially when it comes to buying their first work of art. Do you remember your first art purchase, and can you tell us what it was and why you acquired it?

It has been a while, but I remember my first original artwork I purchased was way back in the 90’s. I was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, and I had started to hang out among the party crowd in the metro area and this naturally led me to art folks, where in turn I learned about the Kuntsverein. After attending a few group shows I was lucky enough to catch a piece that was made by a friend that I really loved so I bought it!

Is there one stand out tip that you can give to those who are starting a collection or considering buying their first work of art?

Try to get familiar with the work, style, or artist before purchasing. Ask yourself why am I buying this?

Is there one work that you either own or would like to own that stands out above all others for you? What is it and why?

I have a lovely piece by Derrick Adams, it’s literally a giant king of hearts playing card, but you can see that the King is Black. Representation matters…

Many collectors are looking to deepen their knowledge of the arts and the market. Is there a book that inspired you?

On my book list right now is Black Futures by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, this book is a manifesto, a signal of change. As a collector it is vital to understand the aesthetics of a movement so you can refine your understanding of its various explorations.

What do you feel is the role of art professionals/advisors and how do you think they can help collectors?

Their role primarily is to educate. Education is the hidden element in the art equation. The more you have the better your collection will be.

What is the one thing you look forward to in the art world in 2021?

What I’m always looking forward to… that next piece.

Follow Dwight on Instagram @NARO_ORAN