Women's Studies Research Center

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A black-and-white photograph with C. Rose Smith posed in a white dress with legs crossed in front of caution tape with Pacific Mills, Lawrence, MA behind them

C. Rose Smith, Untitled no. 17, Pacific Mills, Lawrence, MA, 2022, Gelatin Silver Print

Photo Credit: C. Rose Smith

C. Rose Smith in Conversation with Will C. (aka Will Chalmus)

November 5, 2025

6 p.m. in the Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall, WSRC

C. Rose Smith will be joined in conversation by educator, poet, playwright, and M.C. Will C. to discuss C. Rose Smith: A Silent Rage and Smith’s practice at large. 

C. ROSE SMITH is a visual artist examining the role of photography in constructing the layers of identity and individuality. Using fashion, site-specificity, and elements gleaned from studio portraiture, their photographs engender a subversive performance that gestures a critique of social norms. Born in Memphis, TN and raised in Atlanta, GA, Smith grew up learning the value of representation and record-keeping of images from watching their father take up the role of both photographer and videographer, and their two grandmothers assist in portrait studios.

Their work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions at venues and festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe, including Autograph ABP (London, UK), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Boston, MA), FotoFest Biennial (Houston, TX), Tempe Centre for the Arts (Tempe, AZ), and PhotoBrussels (Brussels, Belgium), among others. Their work is held in the Wedge Collection and various private collections.

Smith earned an MFA in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BFA in Photography from Savannah College of Art and Design. They are an Artist Scholar in Residence at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center, and currently serve as the Assistant Curator of Photography at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis, TN. Smith is based between Memphis, TN and Providence, RI.

WILL C. (aka Will Chalmus) is a dedicated facilitator of personal, communal, and professional development. He is a highly respected educator, poet, playwright, and M.C.. Will C. is currently an adjunct professor at Brandeis University for both the Provocative Art: Outside the Comfort Zone and Playback Theatre courses. Additionally, he is the director of curriculum design and a consultant for a year-long educational leadership training program, and a 3-time member of a Cambridge-based slam team. 

Will C. is most known for his international work with the Centre for Playback Theatre, including roles on the board of directors, various committees, and as faculty. Will C. has been instrumental in organizing three International Playback Theatre Network (IPTN) conferences, has founded several Playback Theatre companies locally, and has led programs, performances, and consultations for numerous non-profit organizations in 6 continents.

Register for the conversation

tiziana Dearing and Harleen Singh at past WSRC Conversation event

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