In June, VALISE Artists’ Collective and Gallery will present “Come Into Being,” an exhibit featuring the oil paintings of Vashon artist Lenard Yen.

In his latest works of geometric abstraction, Yen explores color, perception, and memory, in large oil paintings that invite the viewer to travel into the imaginary space beyond the canvas.

“I’m fascinated by the mind’s eye taking us on journeys where imagination roams and gives space to both the artist and the viewer to share what shows up,” Yen said. “I love the fluidity of oil paint that can create a limitless spectrum of illusory light and vibration, where areas of presence and absence melt into one another.”

Yen added that he is inspired by a quotation from Paul Valéry, a French poet, essayist, and philosopher, who said, “to see is to forget the name of the thing one sees.”

During June, VALISE Gallery will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m., and on some Sundays by chance. The opening celebration for Yen’s show is from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 3. The show can also be previewed on Friday afternoon. It runs through Saturday, June 25.

VALISE Artist Collective and Gallery, located at 17633 Vashon Highway SW, is a members’ cooperative gallery, dedicated to presenting subjects and media that are daring and unexpected.

Find out more at valisegallery.com.