Kerry James Marshall's Global Solo Exhibitions Spark Critical Acclaim as 'America's Greatest Living Painter'

Kerry James Marshall's politically charged figurative paintings are receiving widespread international recognition through multiple solo exhibitions. A Royal Academy show in London prompted The Guardian to declare Marshall 'America's greatest living painter', a sentiment echoed by many who admire his use of classical composition to depict Black history and everyday life. His work portrays scenes ranging from beauty parlors and barbershops to school trips, picnics, rebels against slavery, and African collaborators in the trade. The Times described the London exhibition as 'staggering, triumphant', while The Daily Telegraph advised viewers to 'prepare to be bewitched'. This exhibition will travel to Kunsthaus Zürich and Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris over the next year. Beyond the Royal Academy, Marshall also presented selections from his graphic novel series Rythm Mastr at the Tabernacle, a former church in Notting Hill. He has been developing this series for more than 25 years. Critics and artists continue to celebrate the art-historical references and political complexity in Marshall's work.