Sunny Sheets
At The Red Piano Art Gallery, we are honored to handle the secondary market for works by Jonathan Green, one of America’s most revered visual artists and a powerful voice for Gullah culture. His vibrant paintings and prints celebrate community, spirituality, and heritage—infused with color, emotion, and a deep sense of place.
A South Carolina Native Rooted in Gullah Tradition
Jonathan Green was born and raised in the small Gullah community of Gardens Corner, located near the South Carolina Sea Islands. From a young age, Green was immersed in the rich oral traditions of his African and African American heritage, much of it passed down by his grandmother. These early influences shaped not only his personal values—centered on hard work, community, dignity, and integrity—but also the artistic vision he would later develop on canvas.
A Trailblazing Journey in American Art
In 1982, Jonathan Green graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, becoming one of the first known artists of Gullah heritage to receive formal professional art training. Since then, his four-decade career has grown to international acclaim. He has received four honorary doctorate degrees and numerous awards recognizing his artistic excellence and cultural contributions.
Green’s work has been showcased in museum collections and exhibitions across the United States and around the globe—including in Germany, Sierra Leone, Japan, and the Caribbean. In 2017, his impact on the arts was officially recognized when Mayor John Tecklenburg named him Ambassador for the Arts for the City of Charleston.
Art That Radiates Joy, Culture, and Humanity
Jonathan Green’s paintings are a visual symphony of movement, color, and celebration. While his perspective is cosmopolitan, his subjects remain intimately tied to the Lowcountry and its people. Green captures scenes of daily life, labor, ritual, and joy—revealing the beauty of traditions often overlooked or misunderstood. Each brushstroke reflects the resilience, unity, and spiritual depth of Gullah culture.
Green’s mastery of color and his stylized portrayal of the human figure in both rural and urban settings allow him to preserve and communicate a rich cultural narrative. His art speaks to universal themes—work, love, belonging, and spirituality—while honoring the local traditions that define his roots.
A Legacy Beyond the Canvas
Jonathan Green’s influence reaches far beyond the visual arts. His imagery and vision have inspired productions in ballet, opera, modern dance, fashion, music, and film. He is not just a painter—he is a cultural ambassador whose legacy continues to shape how we understand and celebrate Southern and African American identities.
His first major book, Gullah Images: The Art of Jonathan Green, published in 1996, introduced a broader audience to the richness of his work and the stories behind them. Since then, his career has only expanded—both in reputation and in the number of collectors who proudly own his works.
Find Jonathan Green Art at The Red Piano Art Gallery
As one of the premier fine art galleries in South Carolina, The Red Piano Art Gallery is proud to assist collectors in the secondary market acquisition and sale of Jonathan Green’s works. If you are looking to add one of his vibrant, meaningful pieces to your collection—or are interested in reselling an original Jonathan Green painting—we invite you to connect with us.
Explore the power, color, and cultural significance of Jonathan Green’s art. His work is not only beautiful—it’s an invitation to experience the Gullah heritage, celebrate American diversity, and honor the human spirit.