five questions with wes lang

Our favorite artist…soon to be yours…

by Josh Madden

five questions with wes lang

Last night we did something we rarely do and took a little field trip up to the Upper East Side to hang with artist Wes Lang for the opening of his 

Blessings show at Half Gallery

. Since the Los Angeles-based artist grew up just outside of the city in New Jersey, his family and a healthy helping of good friends were in attendance and the vibe was one of celebration and true happiness for the rising star. The artist has most recently been garnering a lot of attention for his work with musicians but a 

look at his blog

tells the story of a craftsman who's been developing a distinct style and aesthetic for years. For instance, his piece entitled "

Cha, Cha, Cha, God, God, God...

" from circa 2008 is one of our all-time favorites.

Lang's 

Blessings

show is some of his biggest and best work yet, with pieces like the 72" x 180" "Into the Arms of America" and the "60" x 144" "The Golden Lining." The collection of works transports viewers into his mind--and while each often bears a span of images[,] it all feels congruent and ultimately comfortable. The collection will be showing at 

Half Gallery at 43rd East 78th street 

until December 15th, and we strongly urge anyone who can get up there to see it to do so.

While we were hanging with Lang we hit him with our Five Questions and he obliged us. Thanks for having us out, buddy--we're stoked to see the legend in progress and it's amazing to witness. Check out the answers below and get to know the artist a little for yourself.

What was the first record you bought?

Adam and the ants Dirk wears white sox. Still have it and listen to it all the time. Great album.

What was the first show you went to?

Stray cats at capitol theatre in jersey when I was in 5th grade. Saw men at work there around the same time. Place closed and was knocked down.

What posters were on your wall as a kid and in hich school?

Cramps. Misfits. Bad brains. The cult.Rem. u2. Samhain. David Bowie. Floor to ceiling.

What was the first car you owned?

Dodge Aries K car. My grandma gave it to me.