Martin Smith’s research and work are concerned with people’s perception and interpretation of space. He undertakes quite large architectural commissions that interact with their given space and the viewer through mechanical movement.

Part of his creative practice is concerned with making kinetic devices that investigate themes of humour, nonsense and futility. He originally designed and made The Applause Machine in 2008 to gently poke fun at himself, as ‘Artist makes a self-applauding machine’.