Reclaiming Black Beauty – Kerry James Marshall’s Fight Against Misrepresentation
Art of the Week from the Alliance for Sustainability
By Alliance Intern Hannah Ferrell from Portland State University
To have chocolate skin but be treated like charcoal, to be similar to something considered beautiful yet cast aside — this is the irony of the Black experience, shaped by labels that were never theirs to define.
As children, we learn colors — red, yellow, blue — but for Black children, it’s confusing to see their skin, ranging from light to deep brown, and be told they are “black.”
This mislabeling reduces their rich, diverse identities to one simplistic term, reinforcing a history that dehumanizes and erases the complexity of Black lives. It creates confusion and self-doubt, especially for young children trying to understand their true identity in a world that insists on oversimplifying it.
“Black” artists bring a unique lens to the art world, shaped by their experiences with identity, history, and culture. Through their art, they explore themes of resilience, resistance, and beauty, countering stereotypes and redefining what it means to be Black in a world that often seeks to silence or misrepresent them. This lens not only reflects the Black experience but also reshapes the broader cultural landscape, making space for diverse voices and stories to be heard.
Blackness as a Complete Vibrant Identity in Kerry James Marshall’s Art
Kerry James Marshall is a prominent African American artist, known for his large, colorful paintings that challenge how Black people have been historically portrayed. His work breaks the stereotype of Black people as property or slaves, showing them in dynamic, everyday settings that highlight their humanity and beauty.
By painting figures entirely in shades of black, with no white paint, Marshall emphasizes Blackness as a complete, vibrant identity, free from the negative connotations historically imposed upon it. This technique counters the historical erasure of Black people in Western art, where they were often depicted in limited, one-dimensional roles.
Marshall’s work is also shaped by the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements of the 1960s, which redefined Black identity in America. Influenced by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Marshall portrays Black individuals with strength, grace and agency, honoring King’s vision for dignity, equality and social justice.
His use of black tones celebrates Black people as proud, powerful, and fully present. Through his art, Marshall ensures that Black identity is not only acknowledged but also celebrated in all its depth and complexity.
Mourning Black Angels in Souvenir I (1997)
One of his standout works, Souvenir I (1997), powerfully explores Black identity and history. The painting features an elegant figure, her dark skin glowing against a rich, textured backdrop. Adorned with wings, she symbolizes freedom, resilience and spiritual elevation, connecting her to a broader history of Black empowerment and cultural pride.
Marshall’s use of rich, layered colors—deep reds and golds—gives the woman a sense of royalty and permanence, tying her to the long history of Black achievement and struggle. This composition rejects stereotypical portrayals of Black people as passive or inferior, urging viewers to see Blackness as a full, multi-dimensional identity deserving of respect.
The woman in Souvenir I embodies the complexity of Black identity across generations, grounding the piece in a legacy of cultural pride and resistance. The woman’s pose reflects strength and agency, highlighting the ongoing fight for equality.
Through Souvenir I (1997) Marshall not only celebrates the beauty of Black identity but also invites us to reconsider the labels placed upon Black people, pushing us to recognize the depth of their humanity and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Kerry James Marshall’s work stands as a testament to his commitment to celebrating the full, vibrant spectrum of Black identity. As he puts it, “I’m trying to make images that stand as a way of articulating the richness of black life.”
Such a powerful piece from an amazing artist. Happy MLK Day!