Artistic Brilliance: Charly Palmer’s Exhibition Brings Color and Emotion to Newnan
Welcome to the vibrant town of Newnan, where art enthusiasts have a fresh reason to celebrate! If you’re seeking inspiration or simply enjoy a day amidst captivating artistry, head over to The Vault Gallery located in Wadsworth Auditorium. This exciting venue is currently home to an extraordinary art exhibition by none other than the acclaimed Charly Palmer, who has recently made waves with his profound and thought-provoking creations.
The Award-Winning Artist
Charly Palmer, a renowned Atlanta-based artist, has been awarded the esteemed Blackwell Prize for observational painting. This prestigious accolade honors excellence and innovation in capturing the essence of reality on canvas, and Palmer’s works do more than just depict — they narrate, converse, and invite.
With a remarkable portfolio that includes illustrating covers for Time Magazine, creating Olympic posters, and even designing a postage stamp for the U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage series, Palmer’s contributions to visual arts span far and wide. As part of the Blackwell Prize, he is spending time residing at Gray Cottage in Newnan, engaging with the community through talks and exhibitions while he works on his craft.
A New Artistic Chapter
What’s unique about this exhibition is Palmer’s daring plunge into uncharted waters. Typically a master of acrylic paints, he is now exploring the realms of watercolor and sculpture during his stay. “It’s time to challenge this medium that I’m nervous about,” Palmer shared candidly.
As viewers, we’re greeted by a heartfelt collection of recent works. Palmer delves deeply into the Black experience, capturing it through layers of texture and evocative elements like flowers and galaxies. Each piece holds a story, inviting you to explore its depths and connect with its narrative.
A Personal Tribute
The flowers featured in many of Palmer’s pieces are more than just aesthetically pleasing — they are poignant homages. After his mother’s passing, Palmer faced creative stagnation, but painting flowers rekindled his passion. “It was to honor my mother,” Palmer recalls. “Even in the most awkward or strangest places, I put flowers.”
Moreover, a new element has recently started to enter his work – galaxies. Following the deaths of icons like Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant, Palmer felt a shift in the universe. “That’s when the galaxies started showing up in my work,” he explained, signaling change, transformation, and the infinite nature of existence.
Connectivity Through Art
Palmer’s pieces have a signature quality that beckons viewers in. His subjects, often not making direct eye contact, create an atmosphere of approachability. “I want to invite you in,” Palmer explained. “You feel like you can approach. It’s like you’re being invited to be part of the group.”
Through his art, Palmer aims to trigger emotional and introspective responses, rather than focusing on creating visually ‘pretty’ pieces. He wants viewers to engage with the art on a visceral level — be it feelings of warmth, reflection, or even discomfort. “I want everything I’m producing to make you feel something,” Palmer affirmed.
Event Details
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 16, as Palmer will be present for a gallery talk, welcoming art lovers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Vault Gallery. This event is a wonderful opportunity to not only view the stunning collection but also to hear firsthand the stories and inspirations behind each piece from the artist himself.
Charly Palmer’s exhibition is a reminder of the power of art to touch, move, and transform us. If you’re nearby or plan on visiting Newnan, this is one event you certainly don’t want to miss!
