Wes Lang

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Sep 25, 2024

Wes Lang, a contemporary artist from Los Angeles, masterfully blends pop culture with themes of mortality and the American Dream. He shares stories from his childhood filled with music and personal growth, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his artistic identity. Lang discusses his challenges and triumphs within the art world, including financing a residency through his paintings. He emphasizes the transformative power of art, drawing inspiration from icons like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the significance of introspection in his creative journey.

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ANECDOTE

Childhood Outcast

Wes Lang recalls his childhood, marked by being an outcast due to his unique interests.
He wore a British flag t-shirt to school and faced negative reactions, but this experience solidified his individuality.

ANECDOTE

Early Music Influence

Wes Lang's early music discoveries shaped his artistic sensibilities.
He found solace in music, particularly Run-DMC and LL Cool J, and would breakdance in his backyard.

ANECDOTE

Working at Dad's Record Store

Wes Lang fondly remembers working at his dad's record store.
This experience provided early exposure to music, artists, and the concept of success.

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James and the Giant Peach

Roald Dahl

In 'James and the Giant Peach', Roald Dahl tells the story of James Henry Trotter, a young boy whose life is turned upside down after his parents are killed by a rhinoceros. James is forced to live with his abusive aunts, Spiker and Sponge, until a mysterious old man gives him magic crystals that accidentally cause a giant peach to grow. Inside the peach, James meets a group of oversized, friendly insects: a grasshopper, a spider, a ladybug, a centipede, an earthworm, and a silkworm. Together, they escape the aunts and embark on a fantastical journey across the Atlantic Ocean, facing various challenges such as sharks, Cloud-Men, and other obstacles. The story highlights themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of imagination, ultimately leading James to a happier life in New York City.

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