Henry Gunderson is an American contemporary artist. He attended Redwood High School in Larkspur, California. His work has been likened to Georges Braque and Henry Darger. He has also been praised for his insight into “the clash between man and nature and the animalistic tendencies innate in humans.”
Having had his first solo show at Fecal Face Dot Gallery in San Francisco at the age of 19, he’s been recognized as a child prodigy. A selection of Gunderson’s exhibitions in the last two years include those at Show and Tell Gallery in Toronto, Nudashank in Baltimore and White Walls in San Francisco. In 2010 he was chosen for Survey Select at Wonderbread Factory in San Diego, an exhibition that highlights recent developments in narrative painting.
Gunderson makes his UP Debut with the Crystal Skull Premium Tee, made from 100% interlock Premium Pima Cotton. He explains the Crystal Skull image and answered a few of our questions:
Is there a story, special message, or feeling you try to convey with your designs?
The image is based on Mayan crystal skulls believed to have mysterious powers to perform miracles and possibly save the world from impending doom. The design conveys hope and a belief in miracles.
What was your all time favorite tee shirt you ever owned?
I traded my friend a shirt that I made for an ’89 Rolling Stones tour with the big tongue on it. I liked that shirt at the time. It disappeared.
What do the words Upper Playground mean to you?
That’s where the big kids play the game.
