My work examines concepts of identity. Using political, humorous and culturally significant themes I deconstruct stereotypes, assumptions and clichés of the American persona. Whether it is a hyperbolic notion of celebrity or how we identify someone as other, how do our judgments affect our individuality and reflect back on to contemporary society? American popular culture is captivated by status and this contorts our understanding of self. An act of transition for the remarkable you is the beginning of a new body of work. The paintings, prints and mixed media art examine the misperception of “otherness” and the beauty of difference.

My work is influenced by German Expressionism, Early Dutch art, Rauschenberg, Duchamp, Monty Python and weird clip art. I use imaginary characters, found images and pathos to create work based on my observations of contemporary culture. I exaggerate and distort the human form to remove identity, inject humor and poignancy into my work.

— Jonathan Palmer

Because something is happening here


But you don’t know what it is


Do you, Mr. Jones?

— Bob Dylan

JONATHAN PALMER received his BFA from Syracuse University and his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has exhibited his mixed media work, paintings and prints throughout the United States including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, Providence, as well as, internationally in Japan. He teaches painting, drawing and printmaking classes at Mendocino College and the San Francisco Art Institute. He currently lives in Northern California with his wife and daughter.

Second Saturday Gallery Reception & Open Studios:

March 11, Open Studios: 4pm-8pm, Reception: 5pm-8pm

Free admission

Enjoy snacks and wine, and meet the exhibiting artists. Join us prior to the gallery reception as we open up the art studios. Starting at 4:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m., the Mendocino Art Center will also open its art studios to the public. Meet the 2016/17 Artists in Residence, watch them work and view new artwork created in the Mendocino Art Center studios. Refreshments will be available.