Celebration and resistance – the visual narrative of black identity in Kerry James Marschall’s paintings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24136/10.24136/rsf.2024.020Keywords:
African American art, Kerry James Marshall, racism, hetoric of resistance, BlacknessAbstract
The aim of this article is to examine the portrayal of Black identity in the painted works of Kerry James Marshall. By utilizing frameworks from postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and visual culture theory, it aims to explore how Marshall's art challenges historical exclusions and redefines Black representation in contemporary culture. Marshall’s work, characterized by its nuanced depictions of African American life, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the often marginalized and stereotypical portrayals of Black identity in mainstream visual culture. It also offers new narratives that empower and celebrate African American identity. The analysis of selected works by Marshall reveals how his visual techniques and thematic choices articulate a complex and dignified representation of Black identity.
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