This week, the Carrom x Clarence Ruth Exhibition closed a successful one-month run at Ki Smith Gallery on the Lower East Side. Timed to debut in celebration of Black History Month, the exhibition was curated by fashion designer, author, and artist Clarence Ruth. Widely regarded as the first exhibition of its kind, the multidisciplinary showcase transformed handcrafted Carrom boards into contemporary works of art while preserving their playability.
Photo Courtesy: Carrom x Clarence Ruth Exhibition
Toward the end of the run, the gallery hosted the Carrom x Clarence Ruth Panel Discussion, an intimate cultural conversation exploring the convergence of art, fashion, craft, and cultural identity. Art curator, cultural connector, and The Real Housewives of New York City personality Racquel Chevremont moderated the discussion. Together, the panel examined how heritage, materiality, and community shape contemporary creative expression. They also explored creative collaboration, cultural storytelling, and the importance of physical community spaces in an increasingly digital world.
Additional panelists included exhibition curator Clarence Ruth, painter Jeremy Yuto Nakamura, Bradley Taylor, co-owner of The Carrom Company, and Ki Smith, founder of Ki Smith Gallery and a champion of emerging, diverse, contemporary voices.
Photo Courtesy: Carrom x Clarence Ruth Exhibition
The exhibition and panel were presented in partnership with RAISEfashion, with a donation of $10,000 to the organization. RAISEfashion provides pro bono strategic and creative support to Black-owned brands and creatives. The evening drew creatives, collectors, fashion insiders, and cultural tastemakers. As a result, the exhibition served as an intentional complement to Fashion Week programming and was featured on the official CFDA Fashion Calendar. Guests enjoyed refreshments courtesy of VOSS Water, Hampton Water Rosé, LVMH, and Algodon Wine.
Originating in the 1800s, Carrom boards have long served as communal objects of craft and play. Clarence Ruth’s reinterpretation introduces a new cultural framework for the historic medium. It brings renewed energy to the form while engaging a younger, design-minded audience and honoring generations of craftsmanship. Each artist worked within the constraint that the boards remain fully functional. This required durability, surface precision, and gameplay integrity alongside visual expression.
Limited-edition prints of the artist collaboration Carrom boards are available at carrom.com while supplies last.
