Original Artwork by Henken Bean

“Two figures embrace. They are together. This is the final piece of the series of alone together. Maybe by realizing that everyone is alone we can come a long way in understanding that we can choose to be together in our collective aloneness.” – Henken Bean, 2023

The image contains two figures embracing. Both figures are rendered in a simplified, somewhat abstract style.

The larger figure is seated with bent legs, providing a base for the smaller figure. Its form is rounded and enclosed by a thick, dark outline (approximately 6 pixels). The arms of the larger figure wrap around the smaller one.

The smaller figure is nestled against the back of the larger one, with its arms also wrapped around. Its outline is similarly thick and dark. The head of the smaller figure rests against the larger one, and its facial features are minimal but suggest a closed-eyed expression.

The figures sit atop a shape that suggests a base or ground, from which dark, root-like lines extend downwards. This entire form of the two figures and the base is outlined with the same thick, dark line.

Behind the figures, there is a stark contrast between a dark upper area and a lighter lower area. In the upper left corner, a circular object emits several bright, parallel beams of light that extend across the dark area towards the figures. 

Ink and Gouache on Masonite, 2024