A most entertaining exhibition by a young Scottish artist has just opened at the Roger Billcliffe gallery on Blythswood Street, Glasgow, located just a few hundred yards from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art.
Damian Henry studied at the GSA between 1995 and 1999, and now ten years on, as a professional internationally renowned artist, he has a collection of no less than 53 etchings and linocuts on show.
Damian has artistic talent in his blood as his grandmother was a sculptor and his mother, Clare Henry is a printmaker, founder member of the Glasgow Print Studio as well as a former art critic for the Glasgow Herald.
The subject matter for Henry’s monochrome and colour, quirky and humorous illustrations is taken from contemporary daily life, socialising, music, flowers, pets and animals: “Cocktail” - two suave young men dressed for a party, “Bar Talk” - friends chatting over drinks, and “Pie and a Pint” - a chap enjoying a cigarette with his beer.
Other images of domestic scenes (“House of Cards” and “The Cat Lucy”) seem to hint at a stronger narrative in the same way Edward Hopper created his iconic visions of lonely women in diners and bedrooms. With regard to a story hidden under the surface, Damian appreciates that “some people see it and others don’t. I aim for the underlying tension of everyday life - probably because I drink too much espresso!”
From Pop Art caricatures to Disneyesque spotty Dalmation dog, these detailed etchings, lithographs and linocuts are delightfully fun and funky, in which you can identify with the personality or situation. This is simple, naturalistic art that makes you smile.
Although based in Glasgow working at the Glasgow Print Studio, Damian has been particularly successful in the USA over the past few years with solo exhibitions at the Carrie Haddad gallery, New York, Diane Birdsall gallery, Connecticut and Niagara Pumphouse, Canada. Most impressively, many buyers have been art professionals from Christies, the Frick and the Whitney, who certainly know artistic quality and merit and have commented on why they appreciate Damian’s style:
"The combination of the flat, offbeat humour, the strangely effective psychological insight and the sophisticated simplicity really appeal to me."
“This talented artist’s crossing of influences from Leger and Picasso to comic strip characters creates an immensely appealing original vision.”
With American dealers and collectors snapping up a Damian Henry original, this should certainly inspire you to get over to Glasgow to visit the Billcliffe gallery to see his exhibition. The great value prices too will ensure his work attracts a wide market of art lovers.
The Billcliffe Gallery
134 Blythswood Street
Glasgow G2 4EL
Tel: 0141 332 4027
Exhibition runs from 31st October to 24 November, 2009