Kerry James Marshall's Royal Academy Survey Explores Black Representation Through Monumental Painting

Kerry James Marshall's exhibition titled 'The Histories' is on display at the Royal Academy of Arts in London from 20 September until 18 January. This project aims to reintegrate Black figures into the narrative of Western art history, showcasing skin that is authentically black. In his 2012 artwork 'School of Beauty, School of Culture,' Marshall portrays 13 Black individuals in a salon, with himself depicted as a cameraman, drawing inspiration from Jan van Eyck's 'Arnolfini Portrait.' The piece also references Diego Velázquez, Édouard Manet, and Chris Ofili. Curator Mark Godfrey mentions that the clothing reflects garments designed by Marshall. The salon alludes to the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, while the color scheme resonates with Ntozake Shange's 1976 choreopoem. Marshall's figures are characterized by intricate features and emotional depth.