Jonathan Pinkett
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Jonathan Pinkett​

(b. Philadelphia Pa 1949) studio@jonathandpinkett.com | 215.583.8100

Education​

Pennsylvania State University 1970-1973
Philadelphia College of Art 1974-1976
Grand Central Atelier 2015-2017

Independent Study​

Berlin Germany 2015
Tokyo Japan 1999
Venice Italy 1998

Selected Exhibitions​

“Utsusemi” (Installation, Nobuho Nagasawa) – Tokyo Japan 2019
Barnes Foundation “Let’s Connect” – Philadelphia PA 2018-2019
Lemuria Gallery – Philadelphia PA 2017
Eleven Street Gallery – Long Island City New York 2016
Lemuria Gallery – Philadelphia PA 2014
Lemuria Gallery – Philadelphia PA 2011
Inliquid – Philadelphia PA 2010
Gallery 500 – Washington D.C. 2001
Lemuria Gallery – Philadelphia PA 1999
Lemuria Gallery – Philadelphia PA 1996
October Gallery – Philadelphia PA 1994
African American Historical and Cultural Museum – Philadelphia PA 1994
The Painted Bride – Philadelphia PA 1993
Rittenhouse Square Clothesline Exhibit – Philadelphia PA 1989
Philadelphia Free Library Print and Picture Department – Philadelphia PA 1988

Selected Portrait Commissions​

​William Pepper MD – Founder Free Library of Philadelphia
Pearl Bailey – African American Historical and Cultural Museum
Honorable Nelson Mandela – Liberty Medal Award Philadelphia PA
Johnnie Cochran ESQ – Urban League of Philadelphia PA

Selected Corporate Collections

The Marriot Corporation – Mr. B.W.Marriot (70 watercolor paintings) – Philadephia PA
Smith Kline Beecham – London, U.K.
NEC Corporation – Seiichi Tanahashi – Tokyo Japan
Japan External Trade Organization – Hirokazu Fukue – Tokyo Japan
Temple University Japan – Glen Meiners, M.A. – Dr. Raj Chaganti – Tokyo Japan
Sekil Kabushiki Kaisha Mobil – G.A. Atkinson – Tokyo Japan
Anderson Consulting – William L. Bramer – Tokyo Japan
US Trade Center – U.S. Embassy – Beryl C. Blecher – Tokyo Japan

Selected Private Collections

Honorable William Clinton
Honorable Edward Rendell
Teddy Pendergast
Grover Washington
McCoy Tyner
Carl Douglas ESQ
Rose DeWolf
Garo Garibian MD
Carol Lawrence
Pam Shriver WTA
Joseph P. Zawrothy ESQ

Selected Awards

Model Cities Scholarship
Pennsylvania State University
Travel Scholarship Award
Temple University Fox School of Business
Artist Residency
The Barnes Foundation
Adjunct Instructor
The Barnes Foundation 2020

Testimonials

  • “We are proud your achievements as one of the outstanding portraitists in our area. Your talents and creativity were evidenced in your outstanding charcoal and pastel portraiture which portrayed Dr. Nelson Mandela, winner of the 1993 Liberty Medal on Sunday, July 4, 1993 at the Liberty Luncheon and Salute to Winners, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. We certainly remain grateful for your most generous gift to Dr. Mandela on behalf of the City. Your magnificent portraiture was enthusiastically received by Dr. Mandela and admired by all present at the luncheon. As a nationally recognized self published artist, we are also proud that you chose the Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts, as one of the schools that enriched your expertise in the fine arts."

    Edward G. Rendell Mayor City of Philadelphia PA

  • "Through his art, Jonathan Pinkett expresses the many personalities of “everyday people”. The primary direction of his work is portraiture, and he chooses contemporary and traditional images from African-American history and everyday life to express a positive vision of the subjects he selects. Since charcoal on paper is his primary medium, Pinkett’s use of shadow and bold strokes contribute to the dramatic presence of his works.”

    Richard Watson Director of Exhibitions African American Historical and Cultural Museum Philadelphia PA

  • “Pinkett’s draftmanship captures personality, character and line while adhering to a strong sense of realism. While best known for drawings in pastel and charcoal. He also works in watercolor. His images are dignified and powerful, reflecting acute sense of detail."

    Carol Lawrence Clark Director Office of Arts and Culture Philadelphia PA