50 Shades of Black

50 Shades of BlackExhibition includes works from:Kerry James Marshall & Varnette HoneywoodKerry 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.

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.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.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.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.

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 Varnetteswork also include very dark black people. Her style is lively and energetic, bringingout the personality in many of her painted characters.Unique color patterns are shown on the women's clothes and a baby is tied toher mothers back. Three women balance dishes on their head. I enjoy the differentSkin tones together in form like a rainbow.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.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.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 charactersall have great personality and her works set the mood for the charming family TV show.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.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.