Skip to main content

Kerry James Marshall More Art

American, b. 1955

In his multifaceted work, Kerry James Marshall strives to address “the lack in the image bank” by elevating Black figures who have been excluded from Western art. Using a variety of black pigments, the artist heightens the skin tones of his subjects to honor their identities rather than ignore them. Best known for his large-scale paintings, Marshall also works in collage, photography, video and other media.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Marshall later grew up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where his family relocated in 1963. As he studied art, including at the Otis Art Institute (now Otis College of Art and Design) in Los Angeles, he was struck by the absence of Black bodies in art history and museums. At the age of 25, he painted A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self (1980). Its central figure, whose features almost merge with the background in their varying shades of black, references Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, the protagonist of which cannot be seen as a human being by other members of society because he is Black. For Marshall, A Portrait marked the start of an ongoing examination of the simultaneous visibility and invisibility of Black Americans.

Marshall’s practice has continued to concentrate on confronting stereotypes in the Black experience by celebrating joy and commemorating moments of Black history. His paintings frequently engage with the white-dominated traditions of the art historical canon by borrowing elements of style ranging from the Renaissance to the abstract movements of the 20th century. While he has said that he is driven by a sense of social responsibility for what he witnessed growing up in the South before the Civil Rights Act and in Los Angeles during the Watts riots of 1965, Marshall doesn’t focus on trauma in his works’ narrative scenes. Instead, they regularly depict people involved in everyday activities yet portrayed with the monumentality of a tableau painting.

Now based in Chicago, Marshall is recognized as one of the country’s leading contemporary painters, with a 2016 retrospective, "Mastry," touring the MCA Chicago, MOCA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2018, his painting Marshall’s Past Times (1997) sold for $21.1 million, the highest ever auction price for a work by a living Black artist.

Browse a collection of Kerry James Marshall’s art on 1stDibs.

to
6
2
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
8
7
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
5
5
2
1
1
15
299
226
123
117
8
Artist: Kerry James Marshall
SCOUT SERIES SET OF 6

SCOUT SERIES SET OF 6

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

BROWNIE

BROWNIE

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

MOCA LA banner
MOCA LA banner

MOCA LA banner

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

Double sided vinyl banner produced in 2017 on the occasion of the exhibition Kerry James Marshall: Mastry at MOCA March 12-July 3, 2017.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Plastic

CUB SCOUT

CUB SCOUT

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

DEN MOTHER

DEN MOTHER

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

SCOUT (BOY)

SCOUT (BOY)

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

Large MOCA LA Street Vinyl Outdoor Banner for Kerry James Marshall Show - RARE
Large MOCA LA Street Vinyl Outdoor Banner for Kerry James Marshall Show - RARE

Large MOCA LA Street Vinyl Outdoor Banner for Kerry James Marshall Show - RARE

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in New York, NY

Kerry James Marshall MOCA LA Street Banner (Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles), 2017 Silkscreen on Vinyl 95 × 34 inches Original Gigantic Flagpole Banner exhibited on the stree...

Category

2010s Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Plastic, Screen

Mastry New and Sealed Exhibition Hardcover Catalogue
Mastry New and Sealed Exhibition Hardcover Catalogue

Mastry New and Sealed Exhibition Hardcover Catalogue

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Draper, UT

The definitive monograph on contemporary African American painter Kerry James Marshall, accompanying a major traveling retrospective. This long-awaited volume celebrates the work of ...

Category

2010s Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Archival Paper

Related Items
I'm doing a poor job with life at this moment

I'm doing a poor job with life at this moment

Located in Denver, CO

Mychaelyn Michalec is a textile artist and painter working in Dayton, OH. Her work depicts the private, awkward, and mundane moments of family life through a medium traditionally ass...

Category

2010s Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Wool, Yarn, ABS

Promised Land, Contemporary Textile Art, Contemporary Art, 21st Century
Promised Land, Contemporary Textile Art, Contemporary Art, 21st Century

Promised Land, Contemporary Textile Art, Contemporary Art, 21st Century

By Marco Querin

Located in Mexico City, MX

From the series Observing Multiculturalism - Despite having already settled in his promised land, anxiety still rules all his thoughts, 2019 Contemporary Textile Artwork Minimalist, neutral colors Raw Mexican wool...

Category

2010s Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Textile, Wool, PVC

Beverly Hills Ice-Cream Festival 3D Mixed Media Art, Framed, 37x37 IN
Beverly Hills Ice-Cream Festival 3D Mixed Media Art, Framed, 37x37 IN

Beverly Hills Ice-Cream Festival 3D Mixed Media Art, Framed, 37x37 IN

By Mauro Oliveira

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

**NEW YEAR FINAL 90 DAYS SALE UNTIL MARCH 31ST** **STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** **EVERYTHING MUST GO UNTIL APRIL1ST!** ***FRAME INCL...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Resin, Plastic, Acrylic, Wood Panel

"Potluck" paper collage, hand-embroidery, geometric pattern, thread, french knot
"Potluck" paper collage, hand-embroidery, geometric pattern, thread, french knot

"Potluck" paper collage, hand-embroidery, geometric pattern, thread, french knot

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "Potluck" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and measures 6"h x 6"w framed. The catalyst for this new body of work was a jar of leftover magazine cutouts from a collage I made in 2010. Reusing leftover materials as well repurposing items that might end up thrown away, has become a very important part of my process the past decade. Stumbling across this jar of coin sized images that had waited patiently on a shelf for 12 years, ignited my creative process and drove me to explore collage in a new way. Unlike the piece from 2010 in which I assembled the images by piecing them together, I decided to examine each individual cut out on its on. By removing the image from any other context it allows you to focus solely on its meaning, purpose or feelings that it may evoke. Each image is embedded in a field of French knots which felt like a way of creating a time capsule of sorts for the object. Another inspiration behind this collection is my six year old son and his endless piles of sticks, stones, leaves, etc in our home. Only to him they aren’t sticks and stones, they are treasures. His ability to find a tiny twig or scrap of paper and not only cherish it but give it a backstory of why it is so special, is a beautiful thing and one I have tried to tap into with my new work. By placing a picture of a rubberband ball or a set of Dracula teeth or a banana in this embroidered box...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

"Junk Drawer" paper collage, hand-embroidery, rubber band ball, french knot
"Junk Drawer" paper collage, hand-embroidery, rubber band ball, french knot

"Junk Drawer" paper collage, hand-embroidery, rubber band ball, french knot

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "Junk Drawer" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and measures 6"h x 6"w framed. The catalyst for this new body of work was a jar of leftover magazine cutouts from a collage I made in 2010. Reusing leftover materials as well repurposing items that might end up thrown away, has become a very important part of my process the past decade. Stumbling across this jar of coin sized images that had waited patiently on a shelf for 12 years, ignited my creative process and drove me to explore collage in a new way. Unlike the piece from 2010 in which I assembled the images by piecing them together, I decided to examine each individual cut out on its on. By removing the image from any other context it allows you to focus solely on its meaning, purpose or feelings that it may evoke. Each image is embedded in a field of French knots which felt like a way of creating a time capsule of sorts for the object. Another inspiration behind this collection is my six year old son and his endless piles of sticks, stones, leaves, etc in our home. Only to him they aren’t sticks and stones, they are treasures. His ability to find a tiny twig or scrap of paper and not only cherish it but give it a backstory of why it is so special, is a beautiful thing and one I have tried to tap into with my new work. By placing a picture of a rubberband ball or a set of Dracula teeth or a banana in this embroidered box...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century
Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Painted cast vinyl Edition of 500 (unnumbered, reported) Stamped on the underside of foot Figure in excellent condition, with minor markings. Some minor imperfections may exist given...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Vinyl, Plastic

"Pink Me Up" paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, blue and pink
"Pink Me Up" paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, blue and pink

"Pink Me Up" paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, blue and pink

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "Pink Me Up" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and measures 6"h x 6"w framed. The catalyst for this new body of work was a jar of leftover magazine cutouts from a collage I made in 2010. Reusing leftover materials as well repurposing items that might end up thrown away, has become a very important part of my process the past decade. Stumbling across this jar of coin sized images that had waited patiently on a shelf for 12 years, ignited my creative process and drove me to explore collage in a new way. Unlike the piece from 2010 in which I assembled the images by piecing them together, I decided to examine each individual cut out on its on. By removing the image from any other context it allows you to focus solely on its meaning, purpose or feelings that it may evoke. Each image is embedded in a field of French knots which felt like a way of creating a time capsule of sorts for the object. Another inspiration behind this collection is my six year old son and his endless piles of sticks, stones, leaves, etc in our home. Only to him they aren’t sticks and stones, they are treasures. His ability to find a tiny twig or scrap of paper and not only cherish it but give it a backstory of why it is so special, is a beautiful thing and one I have tried to tap into with my new work. By placing a picture of a rubberband ball...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

This Bouquet: Mixed Media Artwork, Collage & Embroidery
This Bouquet: Mixed Media Artwork, Collage & Embroidery

This Bouquet: Mixed Media Artwork, Collage & Embroidery

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "This Bouquet" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white fram...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

"High Score" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, smiley face, 8-bit
"High Score" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, smiley face, 8-bit

"High Score" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, french knot, smiley face, 8-bit

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "High Score" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

"Popular Item" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, sushi, rice motif
"Popular Item" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, sushi, rice motif

"Popular Item" Paper collage, hand-embroidery, sushi, rice motif

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "Popular Item" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and measures 6"h x 6"w framed. The catalyst for this new body of work was a jar of leftover magazine cutouts from a collage I made in 2010. Reusing leftover materials as well repurposing items that might end up thrown away, has become a very important part of my process the past decade. Stumbling across this jar of coin sized images that had waited patiently on a shelf for 12 years, ignited my creative process and drove me to explore collage in a new way. Unlike the piece from 2010 in which I assembled the images by piecing them together, I decided to examine each individual cut out on its on. By removing the image from any other context it allows you to focus solely on its meaning, purpose or feelings that it may evoke. Each image is embedded in a field of French knots which felt like a way of creating a time capsule of sorts for the object. Another inspiration behind this collection is my six year old son and his endless piles of sticks, stones, leaves, etc in our home. Only to him they aren’t sticks and stones, they are treasures. His ability to find a tiny twig or scrap of paper and not only cherish it but give it a backstory of why it is so special, is a beautiful thing and one I have tried to tap into with my new work. By placing a picture of a rubberband ball...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

New Toy, Mixed Media Artwork:Collage and Embroidery, 6x6"
New Toy, Mixed Media Artwork:Collage and Embroidery, 6x6"

New Toy, Mixed Media Artwork:Collage and Embroidery, 6x6"

By Kelly Kozma

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This piece titled "New Toy" is an original artwork made from collage, hand embroidery, and latex paint on canvas by Kelly Kozma. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread, Paper

Lt Ed Hand SIGNED Book: Mario Testino Private View Bi-Lingual (Chinese-English)
Lt Ed Hand SIGNED Book: Mario Testino Private View Bi-Lingual (Chinese-English)

Lt Ed Hand SIGNED Book: Mario Testino Private View Bi-Lingual (Chinese-English)

By Mario Testino

Located in New York, NY

Mario Testino Private View Bi-Lingual (Chinese-English), hand signed and stamp numbered, 2012 Limited Collector's Edition Hardback Monograph with Lenticular Cover portrait of Lady Ga...

Category

2010s Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Plastic, Paper, Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset

Previously Available Items
Kerry James Marshall Souvenir 1 Pillow Sham Mastry Los Angeles

Kerry James Marshall Souvenir 1 Pillow Sham Mastry Los Angeles

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Draper, UT

200 Produced on behalf of the 2017 Mastry Exhibition in Los Angeles Condition is sealed in original plastic 19 x 25 inches Digital Screenprint on Cotton Percale and Cotton Duck Thr...

Category

2010s Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Cotton

SCOUT SERIES SET OF 6

SCOUT SERIES SET OF 6

By Kerry James Marshall

Located in Washington , DC, DC

comes with original packaging

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Kerry James Marshall More Art

Materials

Thread

Kerry James Marshall more art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Kerry James Marshall more art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Kerry James Marshall in cord, thread, archival paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Kerry James Marshall more art, so small editions measuring 3 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jenny Holzer, Christopher Wool, and Jonas Wood. Kerry James Marshall more art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $7,998, while the average work can sell for $750.
Questions About Kerry James Marshall More Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Kerry James Marshall is famous for using a variety of black pigments to depict themes of the black experience and history. His works confront stereotypes of African-Americans by celebrating and commemorating moments in their history. Browse a selection of Kerry James Marshall art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Kerry Marshall's art is in galleries and museums located around the world. Some of these institutions include Modern Art Oxford in Oxford, UK; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, California; the Baltimore Museum of Art in Baltimore, Maryland; and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. You'll find a selection of Kerry Marshall art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Kerry James Marshall is known for his acrylic paintings that pair realism with elements of collage and signage. Strongly influenced by childhood experiences in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, his art reflects this by confronting racial stereotypes in contemporary society. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.