In the heart of the Jacob Spori Building at BYU-Idaho is Justin Wheatley’s captivating new art exhibit, “Looking for Something.” Wheately has had a great artistic journey, trying out many different mediums of art, but painting is what calls out to him. Wheatley’s exhibition is a culmination of his 15-year journey as a painter, reflecting his evolution.
“When I look at it, I see a lot of stuff that’s just very personal and kind of reflective of my beliefs and how things are going in life,” Wheatley shared in an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio.
A common motif in Wheatley’s work is architecture, particularly houses and buildings. He studied abroad in Germany, where he fell in love with capturing the essence of structures.
“When I paint a house, it’s more of a portrait to me,” he said. “I really enjoy shadows and hard angles, kind of juxtaposed against nature.”
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wheatley infuses his faith into every painting, whether it’s visibly noticeable or more subtly put in his work. He finds the beauty of creation to be a wonderful element to infuse within his artwork.
Each painting in Wheatley’s exhibit tells a story waiting to be unraveled, from the quaint streets of England to the shores in “Feeling the Weight of an Ocean.” Every scene is a window into his human experience.
“I want people to know that it’s okay to have doubts, it’s okay to ask questions, and it’s really okay to express those in whatever way that you need to,” he said.
Visitors are encouraged to explore “Looking for Something” freely, letting their own perspectives and narratives intertwine with Wheatley’s creations.
If you are interested in seeing Justin Wheatley’s work, you may visit the Spori Art Gallery for free Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also find his work on his website www.justinwheatley.com or his Instagram at justinwheatleyart.