H.veng.Smith
Email. Veng.paintings@gmail.com
Artist Statement
As a teenager, Veng became intrigued by graffiti, which quickly turned into an obsession. At the same time that this street presence was emerging, he was also training himself to create finely detailed oil paintings. However, what initially began as an urge to tag the streets of New York eventually developed into combining these fine art aesthetics with the public nature of street art.
Each of the animals that began to inhabit his street work were drawn with painstaking detail and positioned in specific environments. Through research on these species, Veng placed animals together in pairings that could not physically exist, whether based on the climates they thrive in or other factors. Through combining these opposing species, the artist hoped to demonstrate that if these unnatural pairings can survive together cohesively, then perhaps the world can live harmoniously together with nature and preserve it for future generations.
Equally as important in his work is the inspiration of the Northern Renaissance masters. Drawing upon imagery used by artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Wyden, and Hans Memling, Veng utilizes these influences to fit his own unique blend of street and fine art. Whether it is by adapting the imagery from The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin through adding graffiti to the brick walls or appropriating techniques typically used by these artists, Veng takes from this time period, but makes it his own.
Selected Press
Brooklyn Street Art “Where the Wild Robots Are”
Brooklyn Street Art “H.Veng Smith Solo at Pandemic: Studio Visit and Interview”
Curbs and Stoops “Veng Kicks Off Bushwick Chronology Project”
Vandalog “Finally: The Q&A with Veng”
Vandalog “Veng’s Stylish Birds @ Brooklyn’s Mighty Tanaka”
Exhibitions
-2012-
“The Birds and the Bees” – Mighty Tanaka, Brooklyn, NY.
“Alternative Occupancy” – Cave Gallery, Venice, CA.
“Rather Unique” – Woodward Gallery, New York, NY.
-2011-
“Robots Will Kill and Friends” – Mighty Tanaka, Brooklyn, NY.
“The Art of Basketball (Next Wave)” – One Gallery, Newark, NJ.
“Factory Fresh Mural” - Bushwick Open Studios, 200 x 25 ft., Brooklyn, NY.
“Happy Feet and the Angry Inch” – Stage Gallery, Newark, NJ.
“Robots Will Kill: Never Say Die” – Vincent Michael Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.
“First Taste” – Bound for Glory Tattoo Studio, Staten Island, NY.
“Too Busy to Die: RWK 10th Anniversary Show” – Ayden Gallery, Vancouver, BC.
“Pogtopia” – World Financial Center, New York, NY.
“Town and Country” – Murals Around New York, 320 Studios, New York, NY.
“Under the Influence” – Powerhouse Arena, Brooklyn, NY.
“Crest Art Fest” – Crest Hardware, Brooklyn, NY.
“Grassy Lot Show” – Murals Around New York, 145 LudLow, New York, NY.
-2010-
“Robots will Kill, Never Say Die” – Vincent Michael Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.
“Identifiable Reality” – Pandemic Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
“A Reflection of Anonymity” – Mighty Tanaka, Brooklyn, NY.
“Death Warmed Over” – Fresthetic Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
“G40 Summit” – Art Whino Gallery, Arlington, VA.
“Encounters Graffiti Expo” - AE Studios, Queens, NY.
“Stokenphobia” – Pandemic Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
“Eames Inspiration” – Cheryl Hazan Gallery, Barneys New York, New York, NY.
-2009-
“Veng of Robots Will Kill Showcase” – Carmichael Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
“Streetcrush” – Alphabeta Gallery & Shop, Brooklyn, NY.
“Products of the 80′s” – Da Bakery Shop & Gallery, Bronx, NY.
“Mid-City Arts Anniversary” – Mid-City Arts, Los Angeles, CA.
“The Great Outdoors” – Art Break Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
“Mom & Popism” – Gawker Artists Space, New York, NY.
-2008-
“Bookworms: Urban Art of the Book” – Trenton Public Library, Trenton, NJ.
“Nola Rising Festival” – IRT, New York, NY.
“From the Streets of Brooklyn” – Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
“Outside Insight” – Kunstencentrum Vooruit vzw, Ghent, Belgium.
“Urban Mantra” – Chashama Gallery, New York, NY.
“Made From Love” – The Bronx Muesum, Bronx, NY.
