Henrietta Armstrong MRSS

Henrietta Armstrong's most recent work continues her exploration of themes related to personal relics, the mystical unknown and ritualistic practices. Considering the hypocrisy between the Catholic Church's veneration of relics and its historical condemnation of witchcraft. While relics, often mass-produced religious items with supposed divine significance, are celebrated and revered, the Church's stance on witchcraft has been one of persecution and condemnation. This contrast adds an intriguing layer to Armstrong's exploration of religious artefacts and their cultural symbolism, urging viewers to reflect on the complex dynamics of the symbols, rituals and shifting perceptions that shape human belief systems. The paradox between the acceptance of institutional idolatry and the persecution of marginalised groups for similar behaviour, raises questions about the role of power and biases embedded in historical narratives. Through her work, she encourages us to confront the incongruities within our societal norms, inviting us to question the malleable boundaries between the sacred and the condemned.

Henrietta was selected as a finalist for the National Sculpture Prize 2021 and awarded as a runner up for the Soho House Art Prize 2020, where she created an exclusive print edition with Soho House & Jealous Gallery for Soho Home. Her work is now part of the Soho House permanent art collection. She has recently completed a public sculpture commission for the village of Tytherington commissioned by Cotswold Homes & South Gloucestershire Council.

Henrietta Armstrong BA Fine Art (Hons) at Sir John Cass School of Art, London, graduating in 2003. Recent exhibitions include Tideline at Messums Wiltshire, ‘I Took my Power in My Hand’ at Liminal Gallery, Margate. National Sculpture Prize Summer Exhibition at Broomhill Estate, TILT Summer Show at Hoxton Gallery, DOLOS - Rooftop Mural Project at Jealous Gallery, Art on a Postcard Summer Auction 2021 and Recreational Grounds: Off Site at Thames-Side Gallery. Her work is part of the Soho House permanent collection and is held in private collections around the world.