Mark Henderson comes to his passion for photography with the credentials of an art historian, a fact that gives him a special insight as to the creation of his lushly colorful photographs informed by the traditions of making art, joining color to theme, and finding memento mori or still life compositions in the manner of the great masters. In his previous three successful monographs - HOUSEHOLD IDOLS, SUBURBAN PLEASURES and POOLSIDE he concentrated his eye and his compositions on the interiors of his home in Los Angeles, his very private swimming pool in Texas, moving his impeccably handsome models into the daylight of indoors and outdoors.
In this his latest's monograph LUMINOSITY published by Bruno Gmünder Verlag GmbH Henderson takes a giant step forward. While continuing his sensitive approach to light in bathing his models with natural light rather than imitation studio light, and to color by enhancing the colors with digital computer assistance, his courage to emphasize full frontal nudity has become more evident in this volume. Not only are his models in seductive poses and often engage the viewer's eye with highly charged sexuality, but now most of the models are shown in full tumescence. And with these particular models that aspect becomes a notable advance for Henderson's work. These images are highly erotically charged but at the same time there is nothing lurid in Henderson's election to emphasize this concept. His respect for his models and their obvious respect for his art produces very sensuous portraits that remain in the field of Fine Art. The title of this book - LUMINOSITY - describes both Henderson's artistic vantage and also the unveiling of a newly frank and open approach to his subject matter. Grady Harp, April 12