CHARLY PALMER
Charly Palmer was born in Alabama and raised in Milwaukee. He is an award-winning artist who has made a career not only in Graphic Design and Illustration, but in creating timeless and fascinating fine art works which continue to be added to the collections of thousands of art enthusiasts all across the country.
Winning the ‘Gallery of Greats' contest with Miller Brewing Company in 1990, being commissioned to create the 1996 Atlanta Olympic poster, and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan, and having a piece featured on the television show “In Living Color“ are only a few of his accomplishments.
At the age of 5 he became fascinated by illustrations in "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats. “I could never get enough of the imagery in the book. This planted a seed in my young heart,” says Palmer. “Keats works were fascinating and magical to me.”His random geometric shapes, the simplicity of the layered textures and patterns, along with the mix of bold colors stuck in Palmer's mind.
As a young man, Charly studied the works of Viennese painter Gustav Klimt, who influenced his growing fondness of flat surfaces, mosaic colors and simplistic forms, which are highly symbolic in Klimt's paintings.
Charly gives credence to those who taught and mentored him. Bill Parks taught him while at the American Academy of Art. His mentors include the late Carl Owens, who
was the master of many different mediums, and Paul Goodnight, who used colors and textures in ever evolving styles. Charly is fond of the style of Joseph Holston, which helped him evolve into understanding simplicity of human form and the sensitive color palette. “Holston's simplified statements were more important than technique,” Palmer says.
Further influences are Jean Michele Basquiat, "a true artist whose rawness in technique inspired me, who I recognized didn't let medium or anything get in his way. I would like to mimic Basquiat in that way. To this day he continues to be a pioneer in influencing lots of artists," says Palmer.
Charly, is a new Historian expressing his love and undying interest in history. He uniquely chronicles that part of American history which is so often been overlooked. Over his 25-year career, Palmer has focused on social, political and often on African American historical subjects. He starts with the Middle passage and continues through slavery, the Jim Crow and civil rights eras, the Negro Sports League and musical history. His focus is not limited to the African American experience, but also includes Native Americans and the Jewish Holocaust.
Palmer's passion is painting and his biggest challenge is to be the BEST artist he can be. His alter ego emerged several years ago after a trip to Cancun, Mexico. He began creating and signing works as “Carlos” as a way to understand his artistic voice and freely express himself. This journey helped him to truly find self. "Carlos” is Charly, one who is carefree, relaxed, excited, spontaneous, and passionate. After many successful years, “Carlos” has been put to rest and all works now signed C. Palmer.
Both Charly Palmer and Carlos visual statements can be seen in galleries across the country. Art enthusiasts who own a "Carlos" creation have a piece from what will be known in the future as the Charly Palmer "Carlos" period.
1980 - 1982 B.F.A - The American Academy of Art - Chicago, IL
1979 - 1980 The School of the Art Institute - Chicago, IL
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2005 Art on 38thGallery, Philadelphia,PA
Apex Museum, Atlanta, GA
Mason Murer Art Gallery, Midtown -Atlanta,GA
2004 Savacou Gallery, New York, NY
Alabama State University Art Gallery
E and S Gallery, Louisville, KY
Just Lookin' Gallery Hagerstown, MD
Thelma Harris Art Gallery Oakland, CA
2003 Apache Café, Atlanta, GA
2000 Beverly Libby Gallery, Atlanta, GA
1988 IN Art Center, Michigan City
SELECTED TWO PERSON and GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2006 Black Heritage Festival - Starland Art Gallery, Savannah, GA
Mason Murer Fine Art - Midtown Gallery, Atlanta, GA
1992 Apex Museum, Atlanta GA
PERMANENT PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Apex Museum - Atlanta
Alabama State University National Center for the Study of Civil Rights
Atlanta Life Insurance - Atlanta
City Hall - Milwaukee
McDonald's Corporation - Wisconsin
McDonald's National
Miller Brewing Company - Wisconsin
YWCA of Greater Milwaukee
Coca-Cola Company
Pepsi Cola Company
Publix Food Market
Hammond House Museum,
The Late Maynard Jackson, Former Mayor of Atlanta, GA
Honorable AndrewYoung
Mr. John Lewis
Ms. Angela Bassett, Renowned Actress
Mr. Courtney Vance, Renowned Actor
Ms. Phyllis Jackson
Honorable Mr. John Lewis, U. S. House of Representatives, GA
Mr. Tony Brown, National Broadcaster
Mr. John Witherspoon, Comedian
Miss India Arie, International Recording Artist
The Pehl Collection, MD
2007 Homes of Color Magazine
2005 Save The Date Magazine
2003 Looking Good Magazine “Signature Style”
2000 Creative Loafing
1997 Art Trends
1992 Ebony Magazine
1992 Essence Magazine
AWARDS AND COMMISSIONS
2003 Publix Mural Project
2002 YMCA Youth Development Center
1999 Fulton County Arts Council
1997 1998 Winter Olympic
Atlanta Convention Visitors Bureau / Atlanta
1995 1996 Olympic Poster
USA Track & Field Association
1994 Southern Bell / Atlanta
1992 Calendar - Miller Brewing Company “Gallery of Greats”
1991 Miller Brewing Company / Wisconsin
Best of Show - African-American Culture & Arts Museum / Dallas
1990 Best of Show - Dallas African-American Art Museum / Dallas
1989 Best of Show - Inner City Arts Council Festival / Wisconsin
1988 Best of Show - Inner City Art Festival / Wisconsin
2004-2005 Richard Franklin Art Studios, Inc - Summer Adult Art Classes