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Untitled (BC-109)

William Henry Broome

Date

n.d.

Dimensions

11 × 14 in.

Credit

© Broome Collection Inc. · © Broome Holding LLC — Property of the William Henry Broome Collection. This artwork forms part of a privately held archival collection. Unauthorized reproduction, publication, photography, digitization, AI training, licensing, or commercial use is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved by Broome Holding LLC and affiliated entities.

Curator’s reflection

BC-109 offers a rare and unguarded glimpse into the inner world of William Henry Broome. This self-portrait is not about substance or escape, but about the search for elevation-both literal and emotional.

The word "HIGH" written across the forehead is not a boast, but a question. It speaks to a state the artist longed for: relief from relentless thoughts, freedom from pain, or clarity that seemed just beyond reach. The cigarette and rising smoke are present, yet they do not dominate the painting; instead, they become part of a larger vocabulary of longing.

Broome paints over the portrait with bold red marks, his name, a hydrant shape, and wavy lines that could suggest waves, heat, energy, or the unsteady currents of his mind. These marks feel like thoughts written across his own face, reminders that the artist was in constant conversation with himself.

This painting is a visual diary entry. It speaks to anyone who has tried to silence an inner voice, outrun despair, or find peace in a world that felt overwhelming. Broome's honesty in this work creates a bridge between his personal struggle and the universal human experience.

Long after his passing, BC-109 continues to speak. It reminds us to pay attention to the quiet signals people carry, to listen without judgment, and to reach out with compassion. In understanding his pain, we may find the strength to help others and perhaps, to heal ourselves.

Looking closer

The bold red elements are not random. "HIGH" is painted with urgency, as if written in a moment of intense need. The hydrant may evoke release or pressure; the wavy lines suggest turbulence, emotion, or the search for flow. The olive background creates a calm contrast perhaps the stillness Broome was seeking but could not fully reach.

A moment to reflect

Beyond every wave is another chance to begin again. He left more than paintings. He left a life painted in brushstrokes.