Type of Work: Large-scale woodcut, "Untitled," 1999
Exhibition: Part of "Kerry James Marshall: Works on Paper" at Cleveland Museum of Art
Curators: Reto Thring and Emily Liebert
Concept of the Work
Counter-Archive:
Marshall's work aims to establish a counter-archive by focusing on black figures.
His art is not an argument against white-centric art but is for the inclusion of black figures in art narratives.
Mundane Representation:
Emphasis on ordinary, non-eventful scenes involving African American figures.
Aims to counter stereotypes of African American men as threatening or irresponsible.
Encourages viewers to see black figures in art as relatable and ordinary.
Description of the Woodcut
Composition:
Twelve panels, each 251.6 x 130.3 cm.
Progresses from a suburban landscape to a group of six black men socializing in an apartment.
Themes include gender role play and ordinary life.
Artistic Approach:
Relies on the scale of imagery to engage viewers physically and emotionally.
Uses mundane settings to invite viewers to project themselves into the scenes.
Drawings and Techniques
Influence of Old Master Traditions:
Techniques such as anatomical studies, chiaroscuro, and spatial perspective are evident.
Selected Works:
"Untitled (Study for Sofa Girl)" (2014): Experimentation with line types and composition.
"Untitled (Stono Drawing)" (2012): Variations in light and shadow.
Artistic Process:
Marshall views painting as a series of decisions to create meaningful narratives.
Rythm Mastr Comic Series
Location: Exhibited at the Cleveland Public Library
Content: Animates traditional African sculpture and mythology.
Black Protagonists: Features an array of black protagonists.
Significance of Libraries: Recognizes the role of public libraries in Marshall's development as an artist.
Conclusion
Kerry James Marshall is a pivotal artist who challenges traditional art narratives and provides new perspectives on African American representation in art.
References
Based on material from Cleveland Art, July/August 2018.