February 2008 | On Our Radar

Portrait of the Universe: Infinigon

Growing up in Wisconsin, Westley Heine grew tired of school. So, to cope he turned to the stars. These galactic musings, combined with a lifelong interest in artist Alex Grey, eventually led to art, and at age 17, he completed his signature piece — a brain-bending cosmic collage called “Infinigon.”

“It came about one little piece at a time,” says Heine, now 24, and a recent graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art. “Basically, it’s my interpretation of the universe.”

Part symbol and part painting, “Infinigon,” which means infinite crystal, incorporates several universal elements, including science, religion and physics. But despite its complexity, its components are simple, with much of the work made with markers and paper scraps.

“I’d go to school and use the photocopier in the library, then go home and cut out the scraps and paste them,” he says.

According to Heine, “Infinigon” should be analyzed slowly, starting with the triangles in the center, which broadly represent the human experience. From there, the viewer can examine the outer “rainbow,” which resembles the general element of time. Close observers may also notice a panoply of personalities sprinkled throughout: Einstein peeks from the “motion” triangle, while an image of astronomer Carl Sagan floats around the rainbow. Mathematical formulas also appear, along with ancient symbols including the Hindu “Om.”

“Infinigon shows a sense of order in the world, and it’s fun to analyze,” says Heine. “Once you have your own interpretation of it, you can step back and center yourself on it.”

Until now, “Infinigon” has remained largely unknown, but Heine hopes that will change this month when it makes its debut online at middlemindproject.com. Inginigon will also be showing through February at TOJO Gallery, 1418 W. Division St., Chicago. For more information, or to order a print of Infinigon, email Westley Heine.

— Tricia Parker

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