Nate Lowman's Smiley Face paintings are a significant part of his body of work, reflecting his interest in recontextualizing familiar symbols and exploring deeper societal issues. The smiley face, a ubiquitous icon of happiness, is used by Lowman to convey a sense of irony and underlying tension.

The origin of Lowman's fascination with the smiley face motif can be traced back to a letter written by O.J. Simpson during his legal troubles. In the letter, Simpson signed off with "Peace and love, O.J." and incorporated a smiley face into the "O" of his name. Lowman found this usage striking and unsettling, highlighting the contrast between the cheerful symbol and the disturbing context of its use. This juxtaposition is central to Lowman's exploration of the smiley face in his paintings, where the symbol often appears in jarring or incongruous settings (Interview Magazine) (Aspen Art Museum).

In his Smiley Face series, Lowman employs a variety of techniques and mediums, including oil and alkyd on canvas, as seen in works such as "Untitled (Smiley Face Painting)" from 2008. These paintings often feature the smiley face rendered in a rough, almost graffiti-like style, which further enhances the tension between the symbol's intended meaning and its presentation. By using the smiley face in this manner, Lowman invites viewers to reconsider the simplicity of the icon and reflect on the complexities and contradictions of contemporary culture (Artsy) (Artsy).

Lowman's smiley face paintings are part of a broader practice that includes other iconic motifs such as bullet holes, air fresheners, and hearts. These recurring elements in his work serve to critique and dissect the visual language of popular culture, challenging viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of these symbols. Through his smiley face paintings, Lowman continues to push the boundaries of appropriation and pop art, making a powerful statement about the nature of communication and the often misleading simplicity of visual icons (Aspen Art Museum) (Artsy).

Nate Lowman's Smiley Face paintings are a testament to his ability to use familiar symbols to provoke thought and dialogue about the complexities of modern life. By transforming a simple icon into a vehicle for deeper meaning, Lowman underscores the power of art to challenge perceptions and reveal underlying truths about society.