By Brandon Johnson – Contributing Writer
In an intimate setting atop Symphony Towers at the University Center, backed by immaculate views of the San Diego bay, art enthusiasts, historians, educators, gallery operators and collectors gathered at a private show to witness the work of prized painter Jonathan Green, as well as get a lesson in the history of African-American art and the people of the Gullah.
Noted art critics and reviewers consider Jonathan Green one of the most important painters of the southern experience. His work, which has been exhibited in major venues nationally and internationally, reflects an intrinsic sense of history and place.
“Many of his works feature southern scenes, scenes of people in the field, hanging clothes to dry, and many are showing people from the back. He says as a child many of his memories are of seeing woman always walking or working from the back,” says Dr. Fern Nelson.
Prints of some of Green’s more well-known works were hung in the halls of the University Center, so guests could view them up close as they entered the gala. They were then treated to drinks, hors-d’oeuvres and an informative slide show of his paintings, as well as an explanation of their meaning. Art Historian, Dr. Denise Rogers, Gallery Owner and Certified Appraiser of African-American Art; and Eric Hanks held a great panel and were key in helping guests to get a better understanding of the importance of not only this artist but of African-American artists in general.
“We want to expose the San Diego community to Jonathan Green’s work as well as many other African-American artists,” says, Director of Private Events at the University Club, Ed Nesfield. “We think this exhibit we are putting on will be pivotal in exposing, not only the work of other African-American artists but in making the people of San Diego aware that these artists exists, not only in our region but around the entire country,” Gaidi Finnie of the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts shared, “the museum itself is on trajectory to be internationally known, it is a very lofty ambition but we’re getting there slowly, this is our third exhibit, it’s a museum without walls we’re moving around. Our next exhibit is downtown.
Jonathan Green’s best known approach to painting may be termed “narrative realism.” It is through his narrative art style that Green captures and records his life experiences and the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah community in which he was raised. It is Green’s mastery of color and skillful use of the human figure, which allows him to preserve and share with the viewer a deep sense of community, and how the challenges of love, work and belonging are met.
