Hembert Henri-Clairy

Henri-Clairy was born with paralysis of his arms and hands, and complications during birth left him with significant difficulty in verbal expression. From early childhood, he adapted by using his feet in place of his hands, and by the age of four, he began painting with both feet, making him a self-taught artist.

During his youth, Henri-Clairy spent several years at the Institute for Motor Training in Amiens, France and was also admitted to hospitals in Paris on multiple occasions. Later, he earned a diploma in computer accounting from a vocational secondary school.

Over time, painting became a vital means of expression for him — a way to share both his fears and his joys. His creative process is highly intuitive; he often begins without a preconceived plan. As he describes it: “One must observe and be very intuitive. When I go for a walk, I absorb the scenery into my inner self.” His work encompasses both realistic and, more often, abstract styles, with each painting being a unique adventure. With just a few brushstrokes, he creates a sense of depth, allowing the image to come alive — or, in his words, “to fly.”

Henri-Clairy's artistic achievements were recognised when he became an Associate Member of the Association in 2000. He was elected a Full Member of the VDMFK in 2013.