Wayne Heing's Art Exhibition Notes

Introduction to Wayne Heing

Wayne Heing introduces himself as an artist presenting a solo exhibition entitled "El Quantia the Storyteller" at Avenue 50 Studios Gallery. The title was suggested by Kathy Goos, emphasizing that Heing's artwork is narrative in nature. He discusses how the themes in his pieces can sometimes be overtly obvious while at other times requiring a deeper examination to discern the stories being told.

Description of Key Artworks

City Hall Angel

  • Title and Description: The painting titled "City Hall Angel" serves as a focal point, with its title directly informing viewers of its content. The artwork prominently features City Hall, an internationally recognized architectural structure built in 1928.

  • Imagery: The composition includes cars traversing a road with the City Hall Angel overseeing the scene, coupled with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background.

  • Significance: This piece was displayed in the office of Mayor VI Rosa for two terms (a total of eight years) before it was transferred to the Avenue 50 gallery.

Bis Tunas

  • Title and Background: Another piece, named "Bis Tunas", depicts tunas, which are the fruits of the prickly pear cactus, a significant food source recognized by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.

  • Visual Elements: A contemporary woman is shown in the artwork, presumably with a nopales (cactus) in her backyard. The backdrop features hills that evoke similarities to those around Mount San Sito in the Mella Valley, illustrating a deep connection to East Los Angeles, where nopales can be commonly found.

Autobiographical Reflection in Art

  • BOS: Heing explains the acronym "BOS", which refers to romantic songs played by musical trios, including known groups like Trio Los Panchos. This aspect of the artwork is notably autobiographical, capturing his memories of his Uncle Joe's apartment located in Boyle Heights.

  • Uncle Joe's Influence: Heing describes Uncle Joe as a significant figure in his life despite not having formal artistic training. Joe possessed talents in drawing, painting, and music—a testament to the creative influences that shaped Heing's artistic style.

Artistic Techniques

  • Cograph Information: Heing mentions that the largest cograph printed at Sou Graphics is included in the exhibition. He illustrates that his pieces utilize a variety of artistic techniques, prominently featuring silk screening and historical family photographs.

  • Technique Details: He uses tools such as stencils and squeeze bottles for spray paint applications, similar to how one might apply mustard on a hot dog.

Personal Narratives and Community Reflection

  • Family Photographs: Among the artworks are ceramic tiles (each 12 inches square) embedded with significant family photographs. For example, one photo portrays his mother and him, along with a youthful image of his Uncle Joe at age 12.

  • Cultural Context: Heing relates this artwork to the religious cultural practices in his background, specifically referencing storefront churches visited by his family along First Street and Brooklyn Avenue, further linking his art to community and heritage.

Cultural Diversity and Representation

  • Visual Diversity in Art: The artist incorporates images representing cultural diversity, specifically including students from Roosevelt High School, whom Heing suggests embody the mixed heritage typically found in Boyle Heights, illustrating a blend of Russian American and Japanese American influences.

Conclusion Statement

Wayne Heing concludes his presentation with a reassuring promise of upcoming works, reinforcing the ongoing exploration of personal stories and community narratives that characterize his artistic journey.

In summary, Heing’s exhibition offers an insightful glimpse into the intersection of personal memory, cultural heritage, and artistic expression, highlighting the importance of narrative in visual art.