Wes Lang: Thank You God

Thank You God is a series of 40 new works on paper by acclaimed American artist Wes Lang. The series develops the contemplative style of his works on paper through a reinterpretation of one of the artist’s recurring motifs: the bird. The collection is on display at HENI Gallery from 13 October until 10 November 2025.

Lang makes birds – which he has described as guides to happiness – the centre of Thank You God, capturing a variety of species in different stages of movement and flight. His depictions of birds coincide with internal reflections and his embrace of spirituality as he was preparing for a new child. Lang’s use of birds to explore this period of preparation gained new resonance when, in the midst of making the Thank You God works, a bird’s nest was built outside a window of his home. Lang describes watching the mother bird plan for and raise her own children as a powerful source of inspiration.

The works in Thank You God, produced in 2025, are populated by various types of birds, skulls and flowers as well as cursive text. Lang has long depicted birds, using it as symbols for positivity, hope and people in his life. The motif is drawn from memories of his grandmother who loved birds and particularly bluebirds, which became a major subject in his work after she died. In these new works he returns to birds as a symbol for somebody who hasn’t been born yet – his newest child, who was born two days after the series was completed. Reflecting on the process of making Thank You God, Lang says, ‘These [works] helped me navigate the anticipation, joy, fear and all the other feelings that go along with a new child coming.’

The Thank You God works are currently available by application on HENI Primary. HENI Editions has also released limited edition prints based on the original artworks, available by application from 21 to 30 October.

Exhibition Details

Wes Lang: Thank You God
Exhibition dates: 13 October–10 November 2025
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm
Address: HENI Gallery, 6–10 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LB
Admission: Free entry

Wes Lang

American artist Wes Lang creates provoking artworks, primarily on canvas and paper and featuring a universe of striking characters, that intend to inspire and motivate. Populating his works with everything from skulls, grim reapers and country music icons to flora, birds and horses, Lang’s imagery has the capacity to reach a wide-ranging audience but is nonetheless deeply personal.

Lang’s work can be found in notable international collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Damien Hirst’s collection. He lives and works in Los Angeles.