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Graham Henkel
Graham Henkel, Footy 2009, mixed media on paper.
Graham Henkel’s work is based around themes and scenarios that he has either experienced directly, or learned of second hand. His work Old Gaol in Darwin, for example, is based on his visit to Darwin gaol. Henkel takes such scenarios and uses his practice to move further into the experience than would be possible in the physical world. This is evident in works such as Footy, which combines both the lived and imagined experience. In this work he depicts an AFL game from multiple perspectives: the football ground as he imagines it to look from above, and the players and fans from his own perspective. Henkel’s focus on developing and embellishing his lived experiences through his work allows him to be constantly developing his subject matter: the more he travels and experiences, the richer and more varied his work becomes.
There are a number of recurring themes present in Henkel’s work. Cruise ships are one such theme. He depicts these ships in all manner of situations, both peaceful and perilous. These perilous situations range from the commonplace, such as caught in fog or frozen in ice, to the fantastic, such as being attacked by penguins, rust or killer bees. Underwater scenes of fish are another commonly found subject in his work.
The process through which Henkel create his work is integral to the final product. He can become extremely animated and commonly takes on the characteristics of his subjects. The works’ sense of caricature is derived from this process of inhabitation. He immerses himself in the situation he is depicting, often working rapidly to draw outlines and then applying colour using a variety of mediums.
Henkel has been working in The Art in the Garage studio for 9 years. The studio currently supports 24 artists with a disability and is part of Tulgeen Disability Services, located in Bega, N.S.W.
Graham Henkel, Old Gaol in Darwin 2009, mixed media on paper.