Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall, born on October 17, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama, is a celebrated American artist known for his powerful and thought-provoking works that explore African American history and culture. He studied at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1978. Marshall's paintings, drawings, and sculptures often feature black figures prominently, addressing themes of racial identity, social justice, and the representation of African Americans in art history. Marshall's style combines elements of traditional painting techniques with a contemporary approach, creating complex and richly detailed compositions. His notable works include "A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self" (1980) and "Past Times" (1997), which reflect his deep engagement with historical and cultural narratives. Marshall's contributions to art have been widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 1997. His works are held in major public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. In 2018, his painting "Past Times" sold for a record-breaking $21.1 million at a Sotheby's auction, highlighting his significance in the contemporary art world.