Based in Lakefield, Henderson is known for his “Exact Abstract” style, which combines detailed portraiture with layered colour, texture and expressive paintwork.
His large-scale works have focused on sport, culture, identity and human achievement, using painting, drawing, ink, airbrush and mixed media. Some pieces also incorporate authentic game-used or personally worn sports memorabilia, connecting the artwork directly to the athletes and moments being portrayed.
That approach is one of the things that stood out to ASAMA.
“Murray Henderson’s work immediately captured our attention through its sense of controlled chaos, powerful movement and bold use of color,” said Angela Phillips, an ASAMA Art Board member. “His philosophy of building each piece ‘with precision and destroying it with emotion’ is vividly reflected in his work.”
Henderson has also taken his art beyond the studio through live painting and collaborations, including the DREAM Collection, where athletes and celebrities participate in creating paintings of iconic moments using their own equipment.
His collaborations have included former NBA player Ryan Anderson and NFL players Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin, while his work has been featured at events including Miami Art Week, Fanatics Fest NYC and the National Sports Collectors Convention.
In a post announcing the award, Henderson said he has spent years trying to find a way to tell the stories of athletes, moments, memories and sports culture through his art.
“Every piece has a story. Every mark has a purpose,” he wrote.