After finishing his B.F.A. at Auburn University in 1969, Henry moved to New York City. There he experienced first-hand the legendary works of Abstract Expressionism, and artists such as Pollock and DeKooning had an immense influence on his work. Unlike many of his contemporaries that responded against abstract art with a push toward conceptualism and political art, Henry embraced the notion of action and color-fields as primary carriers of emotion and intellect. One could say that Henry’s brand of abstract art serves as a bridge between the mid-twentieth century and the early-twenty first.
In the line of so many artists who embrace abstract tendencies, Henry’s paintings are unique in that he never uses paint and surface-size to threaten or shock. His approach seems to harness a quiet action that reveals an assertive but gentle relationship with the medium. In many ways, Henry’s work empowers the medium and seems to give it choice, while he leans toward the decision on the specific direction. Unlike his predecessors, Henry’s work is not a macho-heroism that dominates over nature, but harkens to a soft footprint observing and designing with a relaxed spirit of independence. Whereas the Abstract Expressionists saw painting as a huge dominant theatre onto itself, Henry’s work holds to the idea that a painting works better with the elements of a personal space and the relationship best when intimate and peaceful.
Henry 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 devout connection to nature. With a consistent body of work that progresses through several decades, Henry’s approach speaks to a sincere belief in the power of intuition and empathy.
Chad Wesley Airhart, Ph.D., Independent Artist and Scholar
Representation
Reinike Gallery
Atlanta, GA / 2001 – Present www.reinikegallery.com
- 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
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2001 – Present
- 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
- Group Winter Exhibition 2019, February – March 2019
- Group Show: Wintertide 2018, Selected gallery artists February – March 2018
- Gallery Artists Exhibitions, 2016 – Present
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 – Present
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