Kerry James Marshall is a black contemporary artist from Chicago. He is strongly influenced by Civil rights, black power, and young black men. He is known for his paintings and sculptures that he does on a large scale and also for some illustrations. He is a huge believer in rewriting black art history. He states “We take it for granted that this is just the way art history is structured…” says Marshall. “They [the artists featured in museums] are all Europeans. And when do other people start to come into the field? Well, only after they have been dominated and colonized by Europeans.” This seems to be what overall drives his work.
These ideas of pushing other people into art history are very interesting to me. What’s even more interesting is how he is trying to do it in the present day. This idea is a reminder that art history and history is being written every day and can be altered for the future. His ideas also make me ask questions. I wonder why more cultures are not featured in art history and some of his work pushes that very idea.
https://art21.org/watch/extended-play/kerry-james-marshall-being-an-artist-short/
He is also using black imagery and terms as a way to tell a story. One series he has done is called “The Lost Boys”. This series shows young black men “lost in the ghetto, lost in public housing, lost in joblessness and lost in literacy.” This work itself raises awareness of what is going on in our world to this day. This also explores ideas of racism and depression that still exist and seems to be forgotten.
https://art21.org/watch/extended-play/kerry-james-marshall-on-museums-short/