Fear Hope and Love is an exhibition of works on canvas by Mark Henson. In his first solo exhibition with Meta gallery, as well as his first in Canada, the artist explores highly relevant themes in today’s socio-political climate. Through these detailed and intricate narrative works, a story unfolds, one where the antagonist becomes the heroin as we realize that even though we may be the problem, we are also the only solution.

Upon first encounter of Henson’s works, one is awestruck by the sheer size and scale of many of the intricately painted and highly detailed canvases. A complex and multi-layered story envelops the viewer with a profound sense of the very grave and very real way in which humanity has neglected to take care of the planet, and each other.

In Sharing the Wealth, (shown above) a handsome man and his beautifully blond companion cruise down the street in their red convertible in a very Vegas-esque landscape, glittering and sparkling with the promise of fulfillment through material gain and primal indulgence. Out of the window he throws a hamburger, taken from it a single bite. Opposing this, reminiscent of the streets of Calcutta, beggars linger on a dirt road strewn with garbage as children and dogs run amok and large factories in the distance spew black fumes into the sky. In the foreground a woman, her face frail and afraid, lunges towards the hamburger in what appears to be a desperate attempt at self-preservation. This exaggeration of the collective ego run amok, while at the same time depicting the very real fear hundreds of millions of people around the world face every single day, succeeds. They relay a strong sense of urgency to alter our current path and consider one in a greater sense of harmony with the planet, and with each other.

In March of Progress, (directly above) the sense of global planetary apprehension runs high as the ill-reported effects of globalization and the military-industrial complex reach a crescendo, depicted by chemical factories spewing sludge as tanks aim their missiles towards the entirety of the animal kingdom as all living things; animals, birds, reptiles, and a mother clutching her newborn child in her arms, all run in fear of the looming attack. In another example of Henson’s ability to depict extremes examples of humanities struggles, he instills a very immediate sense of self-reflection and honesty. Have we contributed to the suffering of others or of the planet? Could we be more thoughtful in our actions?

Without saying a single word, these documents of the collective frustration accomplish a very difficult feat realized through art. They hold us accountable. They may instill a sense of fear concerning how it is we got here and where we are headed. They also instill hope, for even though we may have been responsible for part of the problem, individually and collectively, we can change. If we are to thrive as a global community, Mark Henson’s works show us, we must.

About the Artist:
Mark Henson was born in 1952 in San Mateo, California. He has been involved in artistic creation since his high school days in Sacramento where he was fortunate enough to attend classes by notable artists Mel Ramos and Ken Waterstreet. Mark went on to receive a degree in art from the University of California, Davis, where he studied with Wayne Thiebaud, Roy DeForest and Roland Peterson. He also maintains a rustic artist’s retreat and studio in Monteverde, Costa Rica. He has been working primarily with oils all his life, but has also spent time as a gallery owner, world traveler, graphic designer and fine craftsman. He enjoys painting live before the public at art and musical events, and has also been commissioned for Rock Poster design and set decoration. His work has appeared in institutions such as the American Visionary Art Museum as well as countless gallery exhibitions. Mark has appeared as a featured speaker at the Mindstates and other conferences, and enjoys organizing local and traveling group exhibitions in conjunction with a group of like-minded artists.


Fear Hope and Love will be on view from October 23 to December 23, 2009.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11-6 and Sunday from 12-5.
The opening reception will be on Friday October 23 from 7-10pm. Artist will be in attendance.
More info at MetaGallery.com

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