Presented by the Department of Art & Art History, Palm Trees in Paradise features recent paintings by San Diego-based artist Perry Vásquez, whose subject matter centers on the palm tree as a universal symbol of crisis, resilience and spirituality. Vásquez uses the form of the triptych to create groupings of paintings that function as taxonomies within taxonomies. Thinking like a palm tree, he employs repetition as a form of rhythm and change.

On View: October 14-28, 2025
Vitrine Gallery
McMurtry Building, 355 Roth Way
Viewable 24/7
Free & open to the public

Vásquez earned his BA in Art Practice from Stanford University in 1982. Over his career, he has worked across painting, sculpture, performance, and video, and has been active in the civic life of the arts in San Diego through organizations such as El Centro Cultural de la Raza and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. He currently serves on the board of Stanford Alumni in Public Service (SAiPS).

This alum exhibition is being held in conjunction with Stanford Reunion Homecoming and the Department of Art & Art History’s Reunion Open House.

Image: Perry Vásquez, Mono Palm 3, 2024. Oil on canvas, 72h x 22w in.

VISITOR INFORMATION: The Vitrine Gallery is located in the McMurtry Building (ground level, across from the main office) at 355 Roth Way. Visitor parking is available in designated areas and payment is managed through ParkMobile (free after 4pm, except by the Oval). Alternatively, take the Caltrain to Palo Alto Transit Center and hop on the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. If you need a disability-related accommodation or wheelchair access information, please contact Julianne Garcia at juggarci@stanford.edu. This exhibition is open to Stanford affiliates, alums, and the general public. Admission is free.

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