In the May 2024 edition of Muses – the arts blog from BJPsych International – Dr Tim McInerny, Pictures Editor, BJPsych International introduces Henrietta Graham, the artist whose work is on the cover of the May 2024 Issue of BJPsych International.

Henrietta Graham

‘Samuel Marino in The Italian Gardens’ 2024

As pictures editor, I selected Henrietta Graham’s art for the May cover because of the power in her striking portrait of a gifted opera singer. Graham is fascinated by working people and this image is part of her series of artists including conductors and ballet dancers. Previous series have been of chefs, fishermen, and circus performers.

Henrietta Graham: ‘Samuel Marino in The Italian Gardens’ 2024

The most ordinary thing about Venezuelan Soprano Samuel Marino is that his voice never broke. He is remarkable in every way. This painting explores the duality of the old and scholastic with the new and avant- garde. From the Italian Gardens in Kensington, London, and the Vivienne Westwood Corset of Botticelli’s Venus de Milo rising on Samuel’s chest, he strides the classical straight into modernity. The pose of the Roman state echoed in the grace of Samuel.

In 2019 Samuel Marino founded Ensemble Teseo were he aim to bring back forgotten baroque techniques and works to the mainstream operatic and concert stages.

Henrietta Graham trained at Parsons School of Art in Paris and The Thomas Heatherly School of Fine Art in London. Graham has produced numerous acclaimed series of works with her paintings seen in solo exhibitions in London and internationally in group shows. Selected and exhibited by The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, The Royal Society of Marine Artists (prize-winner), The National Portrait Gallery, London and Leighton House, London, many of Graham’s portraits are also held in private collections worldwide. A fearless and energetic artist, Graham immerses herself in her chosen subjects, setting up her easel in abattoirs and restaurant kitchens, sketching on trawlers and in bullrings, Theatres, Opera Houses and Circus tents- always seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the worlds and realities that her subjects inhabit. Painting predominantly from her large windswept studio overlooking the historic Cornish fishing port of Newlyn, Graham paints with oils on canvas, and also mixed media.

This painting is part of Grahams current series exploring the Arts- she has been working with The Royal Ballet and Opera, actors, and Musicians- the series is presently ongoing and there will be an exhibition.

http://www.henriettagraham.com/

Welcome to Muses – the arts blog from  BJPsych International.  Launched in March 2022, this new blog aims to highlight international art and artists, particularly from low-and-middle-income countries, with a focus on mental health. We welcome submissions for consideration, such as, comments on artwork, visual arts, literature, drama, films, podcasts, and videos. Do have a look at the instructions for blog authors for details on how to submit. General enquiries about the blog: BJPInternational@rcpsych.ac.uk  

Dr Marinos Kyriakopoulos, Editor-in-Chief, BJPsych International