Aaron F. Henderson

Known for his figurative style and occasional use of symbolic imagery, Aaron F. Henderson considers himself first and foremost a narrative painter. The subjects in his works are culled from personal experiences and dreams, as well as historical accounts and stories. His “Masks” series, for example, is based on the legend of Ganga Zumbi, a general from Angola who entered slavery in order to free his fellow slaves, while another body of work draws from the Negro Spiritual tradition. “I will attempt, through visual interpretations of the lyrics of these songs, to capture the essence of a spirit-filled people surrounded by oppression and stripped of their Africanness, yet able to find joy and hope,” he once said.