A young Pinner artist is exhibiting his work in London, in collaboration with the retailer John Lewis & Partners.
Oakley Henry is a 20-year-old artist who, over the years, has developed his talent for drawing, illustrating and designing. His mother, Marcia, explained that art became a form of therapy for her son, who uses art to explain, share and deal with his own personal thoughts and anxieties.
Speaking to Pinner News, Marcia said: “Oakley loves talking about his art, discussing a piece in detail. He often says ‘my art is my therapy’.”
Oakley’s work can be described as thought-provoking, fantastical and full of colour, although many of his earlier works are in black and white. Many pieces are created using pen work for detail and shade, with digital colouring methods to depict strange and interesting creatures, themes and patterns.
Oakley was called into a meeting at John Lewis Partnership, Westfield, to discuss with executives an exhibition to open their Black History Month celebrations. The meeting was a great success, especially after Oakley described the meaning behind some of his artwork.
The exhibition event will take place on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, and features a small number of Oakley’s drawings and artwork, with Marcia describing all of Oakley’s accompanying labels as “emotional and powerful”. Visitors will be able to explore his “unique artistic vision” and meet Oakley who will be available throughout the day.
Marcia added: “It’s overwhelming, but we’re really excited about it. Oakley wants people to understand that art can be a wonderful form of therapy and people might relate to his art as well as draw their own meaning from what they see. Oakley feels that if he can talk about his anxieties, fears and deeper thoughts using his art, then other people will come to understand that they can too.”
To reserve your tickets to the free exhibition, head to www.shorturl.at/RZiSD
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