Kerry James Marshall

by Kerry James Marshall

Presents an introduction to the works of the painter, photographer, printmaker, and installation artist.

Genres: Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Kerry James Marshall is a Chicago–based artist, educator and author who focuses on the history of Black identity and the historical exclusion of Black subjects from the artistic canon.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice reproductions that expose the unusual edges of Marshall's large-scale paper-collage and acrylic paintings on canvas. includes insightful essay by the artist detailing his initial forays into art-making as a kid, and retracing the path to his current process of making. Although I've respected and admired his work for years, I had NO IDEA the amount of preparation and planning that goes into the construction of his compositions. Very cool.

EXCEPT

Once again, there is an extremely cynical "addendum" by the artist decrying the worth of enrollment, and participation in, an MFA program. LET IT BE KNOWN that Kerry James Marshall DIDN'T GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL, and LOOK HOW FAMOUS AND AWESOME HE IS NOW, IMPLYING, YOU DON'T NEED TO GO EITHER, AND IF YOU'RE ALREADY THERE (me), YOU'RE WASTING YOUR TIME AND MONEY. I need to stop reading this stuff.

[Amalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the exhibit at the National Gallery, but this book was very disappointing. Many of the paintings are printed very small and/or in BLACK AND WHITE. This is horrible for an artist who used so much color and glitter. All of that is lost. Also, there is no compelling narrative. The interviews are okay but far too long. Not enough information/commentary on particular paintings. Overall a waste of money, unfortunately.

[Mrs. T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love him as an artist. He caught my eye in the early 90's. I think it was his Garden Apt. series. I love his use of black, never caricature, always elegant & beautiful.