The Hickman Art Programme
Through vivid imagery and sharp satire, Portrait of Heroes invites viewers to confront the tension between how we’re seen and who we are. Heath's portraits hold a mirror to our digital age—where everyone has the tools to curate, stylise and reframe their lives online. In asking "How much of what we share is real?" he challenges us to examine the filters—both literal and metaphorical—that shape contemporary identity.
Art Acumen worked closely with GPE to bring this thought-provoking exhibition into The Hickman, a building conceived not just as a workplace, but as a cultural connector for tenants and the wider community.
This programme exemplifies our commitment to curating emotionally intelligent, intellectually layered experiences—celebrating both the power of art to challenge convention and the importance of creating spaces where ideas and people flourish.
Reframing Identity with Heath Kane
At GPE’s award-winning Hickman building in Whitechapel—a workspace rooted in sustainability, creativity and human connection—Art Acumen curated an exhibition programme that brings visionary art into daily life. Our inaugural installation features the provocative and playful work of contemporary artist Heath Kane, whose series Portrait of Heroes interrogates power, perception and the modern mythology of self-image.
Inspired by the distortion of legacy and historical truth—how portraiture was used to shape public opinion long before the age of filters—Heath’s work subverts the grandeur of classical portraiture. Using the iconic mask of Mexican wrestler Blue Demon, he explores themes of anonymity, heroism and projected identity. Blue Demon never removed his mask—not in public, not with colleagues, not even in private meetings. This act of concealment becomes a symbol: of power, privacy and the stories we choose to tell.
“Creativity and innovation thrive on openness. When we actively listen to diverse perspectives and embrace new ways of thinking, we create the space where fresh ideas can flourish. Partnering with Art Acumen enables us to bring that spirit to life—fostering dialogue, inspiration, and bold thinking across our organisation.”
