Engaging in archival research and familial self-reflection during his residency, Austin Henderson will produce new paintings, prints, drawings, and other multimedia works inspired by his Greek-Canadian grandfather, or papou. Upon coming out to his parents, the artist learned that his maternal grandfather had passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1988. Curious about the conversations they could have shared, Austin will continue an ongoing project that investigates the obscuring effects of secrecy and the impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada. Considering joy as a pathway out of shame, the work will explore what it means to transform a family portrait through tenderness, love, and reclamation.

Artist Bio:
Austin Henderson is an artist, writer, and cultural worker based in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal, with familial roots in Oshawa, Ontario (Williams Treaty Territory). Working primarily in drawing, painting, and printmaking, Austin’s practice is attentive to queer histories and politics of the archive. Austin’s work has been presented in Canada and the United States, and his writing has appeared in Esse arts + opinions and Visual Arts News. Austin has participated in residencies with Union House Arts, Momus, and the New York Academy of Art. His practice has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. Austin holds an MA in Art History from Concordia University and a BFA from Queen’s University.

The RBC Emerging Artist Residency Program is generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artist Project.