Remembering Past Fellow Alicia Henry

We are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of past Fellow Alicia Henry (1991-92, 1992-93), whose influential work explored identity, race, and gender through unique sculptural installations.

Henry’s artistic practice was distinguished by its ability to communicate powerful messages through quiet, contemplative works. Her installations, primarily wall-mounted pieces, transformed simple materials—wood, leather, and fabric—into complex narratives about human connection and perception. Through masterful craftsmanship, these materials became vehicles for exploring how we see ourselves and others.

As celebrated artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons noted, Henry’s work embodied “the history of making things in silence, which was the way of survival of Black culture.” This observation captures the essence of Henry’s artistic approach—her ability to transform silence into a form of powerful expression, making visible what had long been overlooked or unspoken.

We invite our community to explore Henry’s remarkable body of work through her 2021 solo exhibition, “To Whom It May Concern,” which showcases the evolution and maturity of her artistic vision. 

To read more about Henry’s legacy, visit ArtNet and Artforum.