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 two successful monographs - HOUSEHOLD IDOLS and SUBURBAN PLEASURES he concentrated his eye and his compositions on the interiors of his home in Los Angeles. But now, in his new home in Texas, a home complete with lush backyard AND well-designed and mesmerizing - and very private - swimming pool he is able to take his impeccably handsome models into the daylight of his Eden and emphasize the interaction of water on skin.
POOLSIDE is an erotically charged collection of near nude and nude models photographed with the presence of water, whether as background, alongside, or within the hauntingly beautiful hues of aqueous blue. Thee top flight muscular creations lounge on the floats of the pool, sunbathe beside the pool, swim, play, bask and in general give us a sense of complete relaxation of posing au naturel under the comfortable eye of Mark Henderson. The result is a colorful collection of well-designed photographs, at times digitally enhanced for color saturation, and at all times focusing on the beauty of the male form.
At book's end each model in the book is identified with a postage stamp version of his participation in this monograph - a very cordial way to allow the reader to know the names of these models and watch for them in what likely will become future further books by this very talented artist. It is a warm ending to a warm and sensual plunge in the pool. Grady Harp, June 11