Art Exhibitions London

The Black Paintings by Wes Lang: A Transformative Exhibition in London

By Rebecca Bury

The Black Paintings by Wes Lang

Who is Wes Lang?


Wes Lang, born in 1972 in New Jersey, has earned acclaim as a provocative artist whose deeply personal and intricate works resonate across cultures and audiences. His art merges vivid imagery with thought-provoking text, drawing on a unique tapestry of influences from Americana to Taoist philosophy. Lang’s fascination with symbols like skulls and talismans began in childhood, shaping a distinctive visual language that has become his hallmark. His work is housed in prestigious collections, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Damien Hirst’s Murderme collection.

 

Artistic Style and Influences

Lang’s creations span canvas and paper, often juxtaposing iconic motifs such as grim reapers, skeletons, and natural elements like horses and birds. This fusion of the macabre with the serene invites viewers to contemplate themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Influenced by artists such as Cy Twombly, Francis Bacon, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lang also incorporates Americana, childhood ephemera, and Taoist teachings, resulting in a body of work that is both aesthetically rich and philosophically profound.

The Black Paintings

Lang’s latest series, The Black Paintings, marks a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. These works, produced between 2022 and 2024, were showcased for the first time in the UK at Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery from 27 September 2024 to 9 March 2025. The exhibition featured 89 paintings that explore themes of darkness, resilience, and self-belief.

The works in The Black Paintings are populated by Lang’s signature characters, including skeletons and otherworldly beings. Some are set against stark, obscured backgrounds, while others emerge from lush, surreal landscapes. The imagery draws on diverse sources, such as Francis Bacon’s Man in Blue series, the dreamlike aesthetics of Edouard Vuillard, and the fantastical elements of 1920s cinema like The Moon Riders. These references converge in Lang’s story-like compositions, challenging viewers to find their own interpretations.

Lang has described these works as a reaction to the “prevailing narrative of negativity” in contemporary society. While death is a recurring motif, the paintings ultimately serve as a reminder of life’s potential and the importance of self-belief.

 

The Exhibition at Newport Street Gallery and HENI London

The Newport Street Gallery exhibition was complemented by a parallel display at HENI London, which ran from 27 September to 22 November 2024. This show featured 96 works on paper, revealing a lighter, more contemplative side of Lang’s practice. The drawings, often incorporating enigmatic text, provided space for reflection and further emphasised Lang’s philosophical undertones.

Wes Lang The Black Paintings

Editions of The Black Paintings 

For collectors and enthusiasts, HENI offered exclusive editions of The Black Paintings. These Giclée prints, made on Cotton Smooth Rag and presented in oak frames with UV-protected acrylic glass, are available in two sizes: 104 x 81.4 cm and 81.4 x 104 cm. Each edition is limited to 25, with six artist proofs (APs), and every piece is hand-signed and numbered by Lang.


Wes Lang’s The Black Paintings exhibition in London was a profound exploration of life, death, and the human spirit. With his ability to fuse personal experience, cultural references, and philosophical inquiry, Lang continues to captivate audiences and inspire self-reflection. Whether through original works or meticulously crafted editions, Lang’s art offers a timeless reminder to embrace life’s possibilities, even in the face of its inevitable transience.

Wes Lang, The Black Paintings, Newport Street Gallery, HENI
London, contemporary art, Giclée prints, limited edition art, philosophical
art, modern artists, skeleton art.