I dabble in the absurd and make it accessible and beautiful at the same time... I want people to feel like they have stumbled onto a riddle. They don't have to figure it out, just know that something is taking place. -Jason Wheatley
Jason Wheatley is renowned for his still life paintings that blend realistic depictions with fantastical elements. By incorporating animals and insects into his otherwise inanimate subject matter, Wheatley transforms the traditional still life, infusing it with a sense of wonder and surrealism. Throughout his career, he has featured animals as symbolic guides, using them to explore ethereal realms.
Wheatley's early influence was the French realist Gustave Courbet. However, while Courbet’s work may have shaped his artistic foundation, Wheatley’s style is uniquely his own—infused with a contemporary mix of intrigue, whimsy, humor, and beauty. His still life compositions often juxtapose unexpected objects, encouraging viewers to suspend disbelief and explore the imaginative narratives he creates.
Jason Wheatley
ILLUMINATED SILENCE: A STILL LIFE IN MOTION1 July - 1 August 2025Jason Wheatley is drawn to the idea that still life is anything but still. In his paintings, wildlife is captured within the confines of still life, where birds pause in contemplation, animals are caught in moments of curiosity or mischief, and objects are arranged with a purposeful intention that suggests something has just happened or is about to unfold.Read moreJason Wheatley
Language of the Birds29 July - 21 August 2024Jason Wheatley’s exhibition, Language of the Birds, features dreamlike still life paintings that explore the relationship between fantastical ideas and recognizable imagery. Embracing the illustrative style of John James Audubon’s...Read moreDeck the Walls
Group Exhibition11 December 2023 - 24 January 2024Each December/January Gilman Contemporary celebrates the diversity of the artists they bring to Sun Valley with their group exhibition, Deck the Walls . This dynamic group show teases upcoming feature...Read more