The John Natsoulas Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of new paintings by acclaimed Northern Californian artist Avery Palmer: Known for his imaginative narratives and surrealist sensibilities, Palmer creates intricate worlds painted in the highly technical style of the Old Masters. His haunting compositions brim with oddities —hybrid creatures, enigmatic objects, and spectral human figures— that invite viewers to step into the rich terrain of the subconscious. With this new body of work, Palmer continues his exploration of human consciousness and the complexities of individual experience in a shifting world.

In this new exhibition, Avery Palmer unveils his newest paintings - all featuring his unmistakable style. Fantastical and eerie, his figures occupy barren, otherworldly landscapes infused with atmospheric depth. Employing sfumato and chiaroscuro - techniques favored by Renaissance masters - Palmer heightens the mystery of his dreamlike scenes, juxtaposing flowing light with shadowed expanses. Distant mountains occupy the background, while the strange protagonists and their narratives remain centered in the foreground. In recent years, Palmer has embraced a more vibrant palette, giving his figures an ethereal, spectral quality.

Palmer frequently stages encounters between nude human figures and amalgamated creatures born from his imagination. These surreal hybrids, often featuring human appendages or eyes, echo the grotesque inventions of Hieronymus Bosch, while remaining distinctly Palmer's own. His interest in 19th-century material history surfaces in the toy-like wheels, wooden structures, and antiquated objects that punctuate his compositions, imbuing them with a sense of nostalgia. Each work is layered with allegory, encouraging viewers to engage in open-ended interpretation and personal reflection.

Originally from Northern California county, Palmer received his early artistic training at Humboldt State. While painting and drawing always interested him, he initially studied ceramics during his earliest years in school. Later, after completing graduate studies at San Jose State, he finally turned his attention exclusively toward oil painting. The influences of artists such as Robert Crumb, Salvador Dali, and other Surrealists are evident in both his subject matter and technique. This exhibit highlights the unique world Palmer creates and his distinct inner vision.