Artist Spotlight: K Ryan Henisey -- Mythologies

K Ryan Henisey, Matrix Zephyri, Ink, metal, foil, oil, paper collage, 40 x 40"

K. Ryan Henisey presents his debut solo exhibition at TAG. Mythologies, selected watercolor, mixed media, and digital works, retells Queer myths from Classic and global mythology using contemporary self-portraiture.
“As a boy, I used to speak to the wind,” says Henisey from his home in West Hollywood. “Mythologies is my celebration of the Wind. These pieces examine queer stories to reveal the mysteries of our divine selves. I am proud to share that the works were inspired by LGBT-themed global myths and my passion for the god of the West Wind.”

K Ryan Henisey, Flore Hyancinthus (Hyacinth Blooms), Ink, metal, foil, oil, paper collage, 40 x 40"

“The Wind may have been an imaginary friend, if you can name the air such a thing,” says Henisey. “But what inspires me most in the Hyacinth myth is the tragic loss that Zephyrus brings upon himself. Like Apollo, the Wind loved a human, and in his passion -- knowing the consequences but choosing them anyway -- killed him. In the myth I recognized a part of myself and it’s that recognition I want to inspire in you.”

K Ryan Henisey, Xochipilli Caerulem inter Toxicondendron, Handcut paper, 24 x 18"

In addition to his queer-themed gallery work, Henisey is engaging Instagram’s Queer communities with surprise selfie renderings. His current set is focused on trans men.

K Ryan Henisey, Via Kalifornica (Kalifornica Road), Watercolor, metal foil, 42 x 36"

The exhibition runs through September 22, 2018
Artist Talk: Saturday, September 15, 3pm