50 Shades of Black

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50 Shades of Black

• Exhibition includes works from
• Kerry James Marshall Varnette Honeywood

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Kerry James Marshall
Plunge, 1992. Kerry James Marshall is an African
American artist who questions racism. Marshall
noticed that in old Renaissance paintings, blacks
were painted extremely dark. He turned this
stereotype around in his works to prove that
black figures can be beautiful. Marshall combines
his black characters with lively colors. I enjoy
the summer feel of this pool day. A woman readies
herself to jump off the diving board. The Bold
brush strokes give a sense of action and life.
Many curious figures emerge from the water and
she may be enjoying the view.
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Kerry James Marshall
Bang, 1994. I chose this piece because it shows
the patriotism of black children on a possible
Independence Day. Marshall shows a hopeful side
to these children with a girl holding the
American flag and the boys crossing their heart.
Marshall states that his work is a catalyst. He
understands that his black figures will make
people feel uncomfortable. For me, black is a
color of elegance and mystery. The black shades
contrast well with the lighter colors in the
piece and it is a very distinctive look. Marshall
painted the words we are one at the bottom next
to brain like figures.
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Kerry James Marshall
Gulf Stream, 2003. This is my favorite piece of
Marshalls. Here, his distinctive dark black
characters are seen sailing the beautiful sees.
There is a message of freedom. The dark figures
are so small that you can almost mistake this
work as someone other than Marshalls. The waves
are active with lovely blue shades. I can almost
feel the breeze. The storm clouds on the horizon
may bring a sense of worry for their future.
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Kerry James Marshall
Our Town, 1995. This piece again exaggerates the
black color of the children and places them in a
suburban setting where they run free beside a
dog. The color boldness of the black children
gives off a racist vibe within this colorful
setting as if their darkness is out of place. The
more I view his pieces, the more it makes me feel
uncomfortable that he would portray his own race
in such a manner. I am then reminded that he
wants the viewer to feel these emotions. The
words our town is painted at the top signifying
patriotism and freedom.
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Kerry James Marshall
Great America, 1994. In this piece, Marshall hits
us again with heavy irony of extremely black
people exiting a boat at an amusement park. A
ghost and a turret face the woman at the tunnel
opening. This work is cheery and eerie. I cant
help but feel that something is going wrong in
this situation. Marshall uses beautiful aqua
colors as well as a nice red orange. There is a
unique flow of 2d and 3d elements which look
gorgeous with his stylistic waves. This is
acrylic and collage on canvas and I appreciate
The mixed media approach. This work is ahead of
its time.
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Varnette Honeywood
African Women, 1982. This is the main artwork in
The Cosby Show hallway. It shows the beautiful
shades of different African women. Some of
Varnettes work also include very dark black
people. Her style is lively and energetic,
bringing out the personality in many of her
painted characters. Unique color patterns are
shown on the women's clothes and a baby is tied
to her mothers back. Three women balance dishes
on their head. I enjoy the different Skin tones
together in form like a rainbow.
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Varnette Honeywood
Gossip in the Sanctuary, 1982. In this piece one
can see the social culture of African American
churches. Women are dressed to impress in bright
colors and accessories. A woman leans in to
gossip with her friend as the receiver judges
the story. I appreciate how Varnette brings out
these women's personalities in the elongation of
the faces. I can almost hear the gossip.
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Varnette Honeywood
The Caregiver, 1966. This piece feels like the
work of Kerry James Marshall. A dark black woman
cares for her children as charming colors
surround her. Little black hands surround the
table in attempts for arts and crafts time. On
the back wall, there is a frame with the words
prayer is the answer. Like Marshall, Varnette
does not fear to words in her works as well.
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Varnette Honeywood
Snuff Dippers, 1982. In this humorous piece, two
women appear to be chewing tabaco or snuff as
they look at each other. The woman on the right
is very dark and the woman on the left is a
lighter shade on the spectrum. They happily sit
on a porch to socialize. One woman has a bible
poking out of her purse. This piece is seen in
the master bedroom on The Cosby Show. Varnettes
characters all have great personality and her
works set the mood for the charming family TV
show.
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Varnette Honeywood
Old Fashioned Dinner Party, 1982. This piece
portrays the African American culture of a big
family dinner. The vivid colors spread the love
that Varnette feels for family. This reminds me
of my own big family dinners and how fun they
are. Many nice colors bring the family together.
Some members of the family help cook while Grand
Dad reads the bible at the end of the table.
Varnette is amazing at capturing different shades
of African Americans and their personalities.
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Kerry James Marshall Varnette Honeywood

• I chose these two artists because I felt
  like their work has brother sister similarities.
  Both artists portray many of their characters as
  extremely dark combined with beautiful colors.
  Both artists have written spiritual words in
  their paintings and both are able to portray very
  unique personalities from their characters. Both
  artists also share similar silhouette design like
  people in everyday situations. More importantly,
  Between Marshalls and Varnettes black people,
  they have collectively covered a wide spectrum of
  black skin shades without forgetting the vivid
  colors that accompany every person. Their styles
  compliment each other and viewing their work
  together is a pleasure. I would have loved to set
  these two up on a date.