After a career as a successful brand and marketing executive in the northeast and mid-Atlantic, Henry returned to art full time a decade ago and now lives and works in metro Atlanta. His abstract paintings are dramatic and vibrant in color and exhibit simple, yet complex forms.
Callahan continually pushes the elements in his process, creating and exploring new ways of expression, while embracing the notion of action and color fields as primary carriers of emotion and intellect. Whereas the Abstract Expressionists saw painting as a huge dominant theatre unto itself, his work holds to the idea that a painting works best with the elements of a personal space when intimate and peaceful.
He has remained committed to a focus on color combinations, painterly applications, and bold gestures. He uses paint and surface to further a Zen-like philosophy and a connection to nature. With a consistent body of work that progresses through several decades, his approach speaks to a sincere belief in the power of intuition and empathy.
Callahan is a Georgia native and studied painting at Auburn University and Maryland Institute College of Art.
Statement / Grid Paintings
A fascination with multiple ways of applying paint to canvas led to my exploration of the use of uniquely created grid patterns. Creating work by overlaying different colors applied with grids brought texture into a whole new perspective. Having been trained as a graphic designer working with halftone photography for print purposes, gave me an understanding of how paint could be applied to canvas using grids, creating paintings that are worked and re-worked, adding layers and intrigue.
Building upon previously applied paint with new color creates surfaces that go beyond other application processes including with brushes. Layers of acrylic paint varying in saturation and density create a history in certain areas—a history the viewer can see through to grid levels beneath the surfaces, activated and resulting in a saturation of color and texture.
Painting is a physical activity and my whole body becomes part of the process, relying on intuition to fuel next steps. Reflecting a passionate love of the process, and an intense appreciation of color depth and texture bring unexpected combinations to life. The result is a blend of light and shadow, color and transparency creating a new portal for viewing.
The paintings make a point of using drips and splatters in a manner somewhat reminiscent of Jackson Pollack, but contrasting those spontaneous elements with carefully controlled grids and surfaces. Thick layers of paint contrast with thinly applied glazes to create depth and shadows. The work is painted flat and worked around the surface, allowing paint to flow freely as the painting emerges. Color is the driving force in these paintings with a varied palette and fearless use of bold primaries, but equally at home with subtle pastels.
The paintings are gallery-wrapped allowing them to be hung without a frame if desired. They appear to float on the wall as an architectural detail when used this way. The works are striking images that are dynamic while allowing the eye to rest and enjoy the sensation of color. Subtle textures give the paintings an extra dimension for appreciation.
My early grid paintings were primarily abstract creations, moving gradually over years to reflect nature and landscapes. Most recently the grid paintings have evolved into figurative works that beg the viewer to discover human images.
Representation
Reinike Gallery
Atlanta, GA / 2001 – Present www.reinikegallery.com
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2001 – Present
- ARToberfest: New Works by Seven Amazing Artists – October – November 2019
- One Person Exhibition: Segue – October – November 2018
- One Person Exhibition: Without Boundaries – October – November 2017
- One Person Exhibition: A Passion For Color – October – November 2015
- One Person Exhibition: Beyond Abstraction – Expressing Nature – September – October 2014
- Holiday Exhibitions, November thru January – 2001 – Present
- Group Abstract Exhibition, February 2006
- Art for Katrina Relief, October 2005
- Three Person Exhibition, January – February 2005
- Group Exhibition, October – November 2003
- Two Person Exhibition: Celebration in Paint with Mario DiGirolamo, October – November 2001
The Haen Gallery
Asheville & Brevard, NC / 2016 – Present www.thehaengallery.com
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2016 – Present
- Group Winter Exhibition 2019, February – March 2019
- Group Show: Wintertide 2018, Selected gallery artists February – March 2018
The District Gallery
Knoxville, TN / 2014 – 2017 www.thedistrictgallery.com
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2014 – 2019
Casale and Co.
London, UK and Paris, France / 2003 – Present www.casaleandco.com
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2003 – 2018
Boswell Mourot Fine Arts
Little Rock, AR / 2014 – 2017 www.boswellmourot.com
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2014 – 2018
Art Expressions Gallery
San Diego, CA / 2004 – 2009
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2004 – 2008
Fairmount Gallery
Dallas, TX / 2004 – 2009
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2004 – 2008
- Abstract Expressionist Exhibition, 2003 and 2005
Foundry Gallery
Washington, DC / 2002 www.foundrygallery.org
- Two Person Exhibition – with Kyi May Kaung, March – April 2002
Horton Gallery
Philadelphia, PA / 2001 – 2005
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2001 – 2004
So Hyun Gallery
New York, NY / 2000 – 2005
- Three Person Exhibition, October – November 2000
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2000 – 2005
Exhibitions
Segue – Reinike Gallery, Atlanta, GA
One Person Exhibition, October – November, 2018
Without Boundaries – Reinike Gallery, Atlanta, GA
One Person Exhibition, October – November, 2017
A Passion For Color – Reinike Gallery, Atlanta, GA
One Person Exhibition, October-November, 2015
Beyond Abstraction – Expressing Nature – Reinike Gallery, Atlanta, GA
One Person Exhibition, September – October, 2014
Of Heaven and Earth – Art Basel/Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL
Two Person Exhibition, with sculptor James Vilona, November – December 2005
Cornell Museum, Delray Beach, FL
12th Annual All Florida Exhibition, Winter 2005
Images Exhibition Center, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton, FL
Group Exhibitions, 2005 – 2008
Coral Springs Museum of Art, Coral Springs, FL
2005 Boca Raton Museum Artists’ Guild Exhibition