Kambel SMith is called the “Cardboard Genius,” and after taking one look at his creations, it’s easy to figure out why.
Inside a building on Germantown Avenue, artist Kambel Smith is exhibiting approximately a dozen of his sculptures constructed primarily from cardboard. Many of Smith’s works in the aptly named exhibit, “Cardboard Genius,” recreate Philadelphia landmarks, including the Chinatown Friendship Gate, the former Philadelphia Police Roundhouse, and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Smith, a self-taught artist who now resides in Reading, explained that he doesn’t use measuring tools to craft his creations. He builds them using sight alone.
Smith is also fanatical about the details. For example, a closer inspection of the Ben Franklin Bridge reveals remarkable precision on the miniature PATCO Speedline train cars. Smith considers his autism as his superpower, and he uses this superpower to focus on the intricate details that define his work.
Beyond his “Cardboard Genius” exhibit, Smith is pushing the boundaries of his artistic creativity. He’s built a cardboard version of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, out of cardboard, which measures 27 feet tall.
“He communicates with people about his art better than he communicates about anything,” his father Lonnie explained in an interview with CBS News Philadelphia. “His work is something that you have to see to believe.”
“Cardboard Genius” at Historic Germantown is open through the end of June on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
