Kerry James Marshall's Portrait of the Artist

Summary

The video explores Kerry James Marshall's 1980 painting 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self,' which depicts a black man set against a black background, showing only his white eyes, teeth, and shirt. The painting challenges racial stereotypes and highlights the invisibility of Black identity in society. The narrator connects the artwork to Ralph Ellison's novel 'Invisible Man,' exploring themes of race, identity, and invisibility. The video also discusses Marshall's use of artistic techniques, including egg tempera and minimalism, to nuance the perception of blackness, comparing his work to Ad Reinhardt's abstract black paintings.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The painting *A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self* by Kerry James Marshall, created in 1980, is a striking depiction of a Black man against a black background, with only his white shirt, eyes, and teeth visible.
• 😲 Many viewers, including early owner Steven Lebowitz, found the artwork shocking and potentially offensive, leading him to hide it in his bathroom for 25 years.
• 📖 The painting references Ralph Ellison's novel *Invisible Man*, which explores themes of racial invisibility and identity in early 20th-century America.
• 👤 The novel’s protagonist faces systemic racism and is often reduced to his Blackness by others, which contributes to his sense of invisibility and alienation.
• 🔍 Ellison’s novel also delves into the universal struggle for identity, intensified by the protagonist’s racial identity, making it harder for him to define himself beyond his Blackness.
• 🌑 The painting symbolizes the 'disappearance' of Black individuals in society, reflecting Marshall’s perspective on the limited and stereotypical ways Black people are often viewed.
• 🖌️ Marshall’s choice to paint with egg tempera, a historical medium, along with elements of minimalism and surrealism, reflects his journey to find his unique artistic voice.
• 🖤 Kerry James Marshall challenges the notion that black is simply the absence of color by presenting various shades of black, adding depth to both the painting and the concept of Black identity.
• 🎨 The painting draws a parallel with Ad Reinhardt’s black canvases, which also reveal their depth and complexity when viewers take time to study them.
• 🧠 Both Marshall’s and Reinhardt’s works highlight the importance of taking time to understand art, as well as people, beyond initial appearances. They emphasize the need for patience and openness to perceive underlying complexities.

Q & A

What is the title and significance of the painting discussed in the script?

The painting is titled 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self,' created by Kerry James Marshall in 1980. It represents the invisibility of Black identity in public perception and how society reduces Black individuals to their race, erasing their individuality.

Why did the painting initially shock the narrator?

The narrator was shocked by the stark portrayal of a Black man against a black background, with only the white of his eyes, teeth, and shirt visible. The minimalist depiction and resemblance to caricature, which some people likened to blackface, made it unsettling.

How did the first buyer, Steven Lebowitz, react to the controversy surrounding the painting?

When Steven Lebowitz bought the painting in 1984, some of his guests found it offensive and racist. To avoid further conflict, Lebowitz chose to hang it in his bathroom, essentially 'invisiblizing' it for 25 years.

How does the novel 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison relate to the painting?

The novel 'Invisible Man' explores the theme of racial invisibility, showing how society reduces Black men to their race, erasing their individuality. This theme is mirrored in Marshall's painting, which visually represents the same idea of Black individuals being invisible in society.

What major themes does 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison address?

'Invisible Man' addresses themes of racial inequality, identity, and the struggle of being a Black man in early 20th-century America. The main character faces systemic racism, including police brutality and societal expectations that reduce his identity to his skin color.

What struggle does the unnamed narrator face in 'Invisible Man'?

The narrator struggles to create his own identity while facing societal expectations tied to his race. Each community or group he interacts with imposes specific behaviors on him, alienating him when he does not conform. This reduction to his Blackness renders him 'invisible.'

What artistic elements did Kerry James Marshall incorporate in 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self'?

Marshall incorporated elements from various art movements, including the use of egg tempera (a historical medium), minimalism through the monochromatic portrait, and surrealism through the painting's title. These reflect his exploration of artistic identity and techniques.

What does the title 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self' signify?

The title suggests the artist's exploration of his growth and identity. It hints at how Marshall saw himself in the context of art history and how Black identity has been minimized or overshadowed in society, aligning with the painting's theme of invisibility.

What argument does Kerry James Marshall make about the color black in the painting?

Marshall argues that black is not the absence of color but rather a chromatically rich color. He demonstrates this in the painting by showing subtle differences in the black tones, which allows the viewer to distinguish the figure from the background.

How does the work of Ad Reinhardt relate to Marshall's exploration of blackness?

Ad Reinhardt, an abstract expressionist, created black canvases with subtle nuances that could only be perceived with time and attention. Similarly, Marshall's painting invites viewers to look deeper into the different shades of black, underscoring the complexity of black identity.