Explore Kerry James Marshall's Pivotal Exhibition: Who's Afraid of Red, Black and Green – Examining Black Identity and Art History

This exhibition showcased a new series of 16 paintings by African American artist Kerry James Marshall, exploring the visual representation of Black people in Western society and art history. The works engage with themes of Black identity, visual perception, and the political connotations of color.

The exhibition 'Who's Afraid of Red, Black and Green' presented a significant new collection of 16 paintings by the acclaimed Afro-American artist Kerry James Marshall. Throughout his work, Marshall critically examines the visual representation of Black individuals within the historical canon of Western art. This exhibition delves into the complexities of Black identity, visual perception, and their intersection with artistic traditions. The title itself is a provocative allusion to Barnett Newman's abstract color field paintings, but here Marshall substitutes primary colors with the politically charged hues of red, black, and green, colors fundamental to the Pan-African flag and movements like Black Power. Marshall's figurative paintings are characterized by their rigorous investigation of Western art history, reframed through the lens of Black experience. He adeptly balances formal artistic rigor with profound social commentary. The works in this series, such as 'Red (If They Come In The Morning)' and 'Black,' draw direct inspiration from Newman's color field approach, utilizing flat canvases and nuanced color palettes. However, Marshall imbues these abstract elements with concrete political and cultural significance, especially when depicting "Blackness." He intentionally inscribes "Blackness" into an art form that often rejects representational specificity and political engagement, asserting Black consciousness both overtly and subtly within the exhibition's narrative. The exhibition also features pieces like 'School of Beauty, School of Culture' and 'Black Star 2,' which challenge idealized Western beauty standards and explore themes of resistance and self-awareness among Black women. 'Robert Johnson Frieze' offers a visual interpretation of the rhythm and blues music of the legendary musician, creating a monumental frieze that challenges existing art historical narratives and reflects Marshall's engagement with the historical underrepresentation of Black subjects in art.

Ticketing information is available via a link to an external ticketing platform. General museum opening hours are listed, but specific exhibition ticket requirements are not detailed on this page beyond the link to purchase tickets. The Secession is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with ticket purchasing directed externally. No specific admission price for the exhibition is listed on this page, suggesting it may be included with general museum entry or requires separate purchase via the provided link.