# Henry Faulkner

Henry Lawrence Faulkner (January 9, 1924 – December 5, 1981) was an American artist and poet known for his rebellious spirit. The artistic exploration which Faulkner experimented in extends from mediums such as oil paintings to outrageous and fun gatherings. For example, the usual appearance of his bourbon-drinking goat to different meetings and social events.

## Biography

Born on January 9, 1924, in Simpson County, Kentucky, Faulkner spent his early life between multiple foster homes, primarily in Clay County, Kentucky. Faulkner went on to the Louisville School of Art to pursue study in the position of a scholarship student.
In the late 1940s, Faulkner lived with Thomas Painter and Kentucky-born artist Edward Melcarth in New York City for a short period of time following WWII. It is said they both shared relationships of multiple varieties with the same groups of people.
Faulkner began to display his work of art more frequently around 1959, and simultaneously was involved in an alleged relationship with Tennessee Williams. In this period, viewers were exposed to the stylistic aspects of Faulkner's vibrant and bold landscape compositions. The subject matter captured within Faulkner's painting range from landscapes that combine scenery inspired by places such as Italy and California, to portraits of people and animals. His more notable works portray abstract versions of Kentucky landscapes. Elements from these spaces are placed together in a harmonious and highly stylized composition. The design and technical qualities depicted in his paintings have been compared to artistic trends such as Surrealism, and Colorist similarities pertaining to linework. Notable figures connected Faulkner' work include prominent figures such as Gustav Klimt.
Faulkner was known for his admiration of animals. According to Bradley Picklesimer, who had previously lived with Faulkner, “Now this man lived in his house with at any given time 12-15 goats, six or seven dogs, and probably 20 cats in the house.”
Faulkner was among the pioneers of the mid-century LGBT scene in Kentucky, often dressing in drag, and was referred to as a “decorative pillar of the gay community.” In 1942, Faulkner was placed in St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital for 11 months due to a diagnosis of homosexuality, which was viewed as a mental illness during this period.
In the later part of his life, Henry Faulkner lived in a house on Third Street in Lexington, having a large variety of animals. Still noted for his outgoingness and characteristic quirks as quoted by others. In his connections with other figures such as Sweet Evening Breeze and people who have documented the LGBTQ community in Kentucky, Faulkner is viewed as a reasonably prominent figure within the LGBTQ community local to Lexington.
Faulkner died in a car crash in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 5, 1981, when he was struck by a drunk driver.

## Legacy

Henry is discussed prominently in a 2013 documentary film, Last Gospel of the Pagan Babies, a project of Media Working Group, with Jean Donohue as producer/director.
In 2014, the Faulkner Morgan Archive was created, in part, to help preserve Henry Faulkner's legacy.
In November 2022, thirteen of Faulkner's works were sold in Cross Gate Gallery's tenth annual Sporting Arts Auction at Keeneland in Lexington.
The Headley-Whitney Museum in Lexington, KY presented an exhibition of Henry Faulkner’s works, which included over 200 pieces, to celebrate Faulkner’s 100th birthday. The exhibition ran September 8 through November 11, 2023. Within the exhibition, Faulkner’s works were grouped by collection, paying homage to all the collectors of his works who served a key part in keeping his legacy alive.
There is an upcoming documentary on the life of Henry Faulkner titled Under The Southern Cross, with Jean Donohue as producer/director.