SMARRITO! (LOST!, 2023) is one of the debut works by Italian budding artist Maria Schmid, based in Venice.
With stark simplicity, it effectively tackles the complex theme of absence and the loss of affection through a series of prints on A5 sheets. These emotions are encapsulated in a brief yet precise description of a pet, portrayed as an archetype of innocent, unconditional, and childlike love, whose bond with humans is framed as a surrogate for motherhood. A raw cry of pain, brutally conveyed through a simple inscription in Helvetica font and boldly signed by the artist, who includes her actual phone number is included on the print itself to establish a real and direct connection with the viewer.
It is through the redundancy inherent in the medium of print—reproducible and therefore repetitive—that the overwhelming grief of loss is expressed.
The artwork is intended to engage with the Venetian public and territory, taking the form of urban installations and bypassing the confines of museums.
 
Particularly admired by fellow contemporary artist Christoph Büchel, the work was included in the catalog for his project Monte di Pietà, realized in 2024 at Fondazione Prada in Venice. There, it was showcased alongside pieces by prominent contemporary and historical artists such as Titian, Giacomo Balla, Marcel Duchamp, James Hampton, Andy Warhol, Piero Manzoni, Yves Klein, Edward Kienholz, Marcel Broodthaers, Jasper Johns, Les Levine, Herbert Distel, Richard Serra, Carlota Fay Schoolman, Chris Burden, Robert Filliou, Joseph Beuys, Marta Minujin, Thomas Demand, Wim Delvoye, and Büchel’s own work The Diamond Maker(2020–ongoing).

By the artist’s decision, all 54 original prints are being auctioned. 
Live auctions will also be held.