Walking into Exhibit 208 a few months back, I was struck by marvelously rendered black and white portraits, paintings that conjured historical photographs but executed in a contemporary style.

I looked at the name: Henry Blond. The name didn’t ring a bell. I ask about Blond at the gallery. “Oh, he’s sitting over there at a table; I’ll introduce you to him.” A quick connection commences. I say I enjoy his art. He’s very friendly and appreciative. So goes my brief encounter with a wonderful artist.

Born in Liverpool, England Blond moved to the United States in 2011, spending his time in Montana and New Mexico. The paintings I viewed were part of a series, “Displaced Memory,” my first encounter with Blond’s work.

With a forthcoming exhibition in Palm Beach, Florida I connect with Blond about his artistic process.

Your degree is in music, a BA in Jazz studies. Do you see a creative connection between your paintings and music?

I see a definite link across each of the creative disciplines that I have been involved in, although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where they all intersect.

Metaphorically speaking, tone, melody and harmony all make appearances across the two worlds of paintings and music. But in more tangible terms, I would say that there is a strong rhythmic connection and, in essence, some sort of improvisatory component that interplays directly between the two fields.

Much of your work includes the human form. What is it about people that attract you as an artist?

Simplistically speaking, I’m fascinated by humans!

I’ve always been interested in humanity from a historical standpoint and now, more recently, I have a huge interest in the contemporary. I’m intrigued by identity and culture within society, and I’m obsessed with the layers and complexities that bind those things together. In a sense, I’m interested in subjectivity: the thoughts, feelings and emotions that make us who we are and then, how that is presented to the outside world.

Henry Blond looking at Performativity I. Provided by artist

Your technique is unique, what I see as a classically themed but contemporary-rendered style. Can you tell us a little about your method?

Essentially, I’m a self-taught artist. I was always hugely drawn to more expressive artwork, so when I came back to art in my 40s, I figured that my most valuable currency was my own expression. I didn’t want to paint like someone else, I didn’t want to copy another painter, I wanted my own language. So, I doubled down on what was natural to me (the way I paint) and over time added more ability into the equation. I think that’s why you see something that is somewhat “unique” as you say.

What will you be showing in Palm Beach? 

I’ll be showing new figurative works at the Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Show in Florida from March 20 to 23.

Peripheral Reflex, 48x30", Oil on Canvas. Provided by artist

To learn more about Henry Blond’s work, go to https://henryblond.com or find him on Instagram @henryblondart.

Brian C. Nixon, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer and professor at Veritas International University in Albuquerque. As a writer, musician, and artist, his interests surround the philosophical transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness. You can contact Brian via his Bandcamp email address: https://briancharlesnixon.bandcamp.com