Kerry James Marshall on Making ‘the Paintings Nobody Else Is Making’

The article discusses the artist Kerry James Marshall and his recent blockbuster survey exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art in London. The exhibition showcases Marshall's work spanning nearly five decades, which tackles the complexities of Black history. Marshall is known for his large-scale paintings that depict the everyday lives of Black individuals, often challenging the traditional representations of African Americans in Western art. The exhibition highlights his commitment to making "the paintings nobody else is making," filling a void in the art world's portrayal of the Black experience. The article emphasizes Marshall's masterful use of color, texture, and composition to create powerful, thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, representation, and social justice. The exhibition is praised for its comprehensive and insightful examination of Marshall's artistic journey and its broader significance in the context of contemporary art and society.