Charly Palmer won the Miller Brewing Company's “Gallery of Greats" contest in 1990. He was also commissioned to create the 1996 Atlanta Olympic poster and the poster for the1998 Winter Olympics in Japan. In addition, one of his pieces was featured on the FOX television show “In Living Color."
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 was born in Alabama and raised in Wisconsin. 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.
Another strong influence was Jean Michele Basquiat, “A true artist whose rawness in technique inspired me, and who I recognized didn't let medium or anything get in his way," says Palmer. “I would like to mimic Basquiat in that way. To this day he continues to be a pioneer in influencing lots of artists."
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.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr. AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world.
EXHIBIT: MAMA MADE A WAY
ARTIST: Charly “Carlos" Palmer
DATES: June 1 - August 30, 2006
HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4:00 pm
ARTIST'S RECEPTION: Saturday June 17, 2006 2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m.
Free Admission - Donations Encouraged
For more information contact All About Jazz.
