Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Kerry James Marshall. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 2002 drawing by Kerry James Marshall, combines charcoal, crayon, pencil, and synthetic polymer paint on paper to create a black-and-white portrait. The work is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a person with a serious expression, characterized by a dark, near-solid black face and a distinctive, high-pulled curly hairstyle. A soft, textured fur collar adorns the subject, adding depth to the composition.
Technique & Style
Marshall employed a range of drawing tools to achieve varied textures. The fur collar, rendered with tiny strokes, exhibits a fuzzy, tactile quality, while the face's darkness contrasts with the overall monochrome palette.
History & Provenance
Created in 2002, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Marshall, based in Chicago for much of his career, drew from his experiences growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, and South Central Los Angeles.
Context
As an artist known for portraying Black figures, Marshall's *Untitled* contributes to his broader exploration of representation and identity. His background in teaching painting at the University of Illinois at Chicago reflects his engagement with artistic education.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kerry James Marshall (born October 17, 1955) is an American artist and professor, known for his paintings of Black figures.
