Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an acrylic painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Kerry James Marshall. It dates from 2013 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2013, this work by Kerry James Marshall combines acrylic paint with glitter on an unstretched canvas. The composition portrays a dimly lit interior filled with a stage, tables, chairs, and a handful of figures, evoking a festive gathering. The scene is rendered in vivid colors and textured surfaces, the glitter contributing a subtle sparkle that enhances the overall visual rhythm.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a lively social space, a room where a stage is set against a dark screen and a red‑patterned wall, surrounded by tables and patrons. The inclusion of posters bearing images and text suggests a cultural or communal event, inviting viewers to consider the dynamics of Black social life and collective celebration within contemporary settings.
Technique & Style
Marshall employs a blend of acrylic pigments and fine glitter, applying them to an unstretched canvas that allows the surface to drape loosely. The glitter is integrated into the paint layers, creating reflective highlights that contrast with the matte areas. This approach aligns with his broader practice of contemporary realism, emphasizing texture, color depth, and a tactile sense of space.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the piece has been part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Marshall, an artist born in 1955 who grew up in Alabama and California before establishing his career in Chicago, has been recognized for his focus on Black figures and for teaching painting at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Context
The work belongs to a period when Marshall was gaining heightened visibility, including his appearance on the 2017 Time 100 list. Its subject matter and formal qualities reflect his ongoing exploration of Black cultural environments, situating the painting within a broader discourse on representation and the aesthetics of everyday communal spaces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kerry James Marshall (born October 17, 1955) is an American artist and professor, known for his paintings of Black figures.
