FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Pamela Brown

ArtJaz Gallery Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-922-4800
E-mail: info@artjaz.com

Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2008 – ArtJaz Gallery is pleased to present artist, Charly Palmer in his solo exhibition entitled “Soul, Ego and Reflections”. The exhibition features new paintings, mixed media and pen and ink drawings and also debuts Palmer’s new series, “I Am Not My Skin”. A preview reception and Artist Talk will be held on Thursday, October 2, 6-9pm and First Friday Reception held on Friday, October 3, 2008 5-9pm. “ Soul, Ego and Reflections” will be on exhibit, October 2 through November 1, 2008. ArtJaz Gallery specializes in contemporary fine art by Artists of African Descent and is located at 53 N. Second Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

Artist, Charly Palmer born in Fayette, Alabama and although raised in Wisconsin has never lost the core of his southern roots. He continues to embed the soul and spirit of the south in “Soul, Ego and Reflections”. For several years, Palmer has documented the journey of African Americans in the context of a social and political perspective. From historical events of the Civil Rights Movement, to the current political perspective to the impact of hurricane Katrina three years ago in New Orleans as observed by Palmer’s recent visit to the City. The painting “Yellow Ochre” displays a thin dingy yellow line that crosses a semi dilapidated building, evidence of the high flood water line that devastated so many homes. Viewers can feel hope is very much alive as a young little girl stands tall with a blooming flower depicting the strength of people who continue to rebuild their lives and community in the midst of destruction. Several paintings display the ordinary but extraordinary lives of African Americans’ struggles, challenges and triumphs with strong painterly strokes and color palette that conveys a different emotion for each work.

“Soul, Ego and Reflections exhibition” also debuts a new series which focuses on humanity and the global human experience. “I Am Not My Skin” says Palmer; I am spirit having a human experience, fortunate to connect in the world through my art which is a blessing and gift”. In this new series, Palmer’s exploration takes him to a broader context with the focal point of all mankind with emphasis on a global perspective of human experiences. Palmer acknowledges the ego must be set aside and patience becomes an elemental force in the creative process. From the pen and ink sketches to detailed mixed media paintings of the male figure, intricacies and complex messages abound. Contemplation looms lofty in the painting “I Am” as a solitary figure in a pen and ink drawing crouched with head bent as in deep thought with tattooed words of Ego, All, Love and Collective covering a nude body . “I Am Not My Skin” goes beyond what others see as outside persona and emotionally exposes the internal truth of who we are in spirit thus allowing viewers to reflect upon their own individual truth.

Charly Palmer attended the School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL, 1978-1980 and earned his BFA from the American Academy of Art, Chicago, 1982. Palmer’s works can be found in private and public collections throughout the United States including Coca Cola Company, Apex Museum, Atlanta, GA, Miller Brewing Company and Vanderbilt University to name a few.

“Soul, Ego and Reflections” exhibit with Artist, Charly Palmer will be on display October 2, through November 1, 2008. A preview reception and artist talk will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 6-9pm, rsvp by September 30th and First Friday public opening reception held on Friday, October 3, 5-9pm. For more information, call 215-922-4800. ArtJaz Gallery is located at 53 North Second Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106 or visit www.artjaz.com.