Artist Profile: River Hennick
Overview
River Hennick is a Philadelphia-based painter whose work merges classical myth with contemporary critique, using allegory and oil on canvas to reframe enduring narratives through a modern lens. With a background in figurative painting and a fascination with symbolism, Hennick reconstructs mythological subjects to explore themes of excess, identity, and cultural decay.
In 21st Century Triumph of Bacchus, Hennick reimagines the Roman god of wine and ecstasy as a reflection of modern indulgence and spectacle. Vibrant, layered, and unflinchingly satirical, the piece juxtaposes classical composition with contemporary chaos—suggesting a society teetering between celebration and collapse. Hennick’s work invites viewers to question which myths we still live by and what they reveal about our time.
Featured Artwork
Bushwick Gallery
- Artwork Title: 21st Century Triumph of Bacchus
- Year of Creation: 2025
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 32 x 42 x 2 inches
- Location: Philadelphia, PA