Unmissable — Kerry James Marshall: The Histories
Gallery view of 'Kerry James Marshall: The Histories' at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (20 September 2025 - 18 January 2026). © Kerry James Marshall. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry
Kerry James Marshall is incredible. Beyond the sheer scale of his work, there’s a profound weight to his expression — not heavy, but grounded. A presence. A certainty. Standing before each canvas, you’re reminded that Blackness—and the Black experience—holds an extraordinary depth that cannot be contained, yet Mr. Marshall captures it with undeniable clarity.
His commitment to expression without apology is truly inspiring. It’s as if he’s showing us that when we show up fully as ourselves, we simply can’t mess up the canvas.
Gallery view of 'Kerry James Marshall: The Histories' at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (20 September 2025 - 18 January 2026), showing Vignette #13, 2008. Loan courtesy Susan Manilow Collection. © Kerry James Marshall. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry
Marshall paints in a way that commands your attention, makes you feel seen, and insists you be seen — deeply, intimately, culturally. His work doesn’t ask for permission; it expands the space around it and influences the experience of time. Standing there, you can’t help but feel the same invitation: to expand, to claim your space.
No wonder this exhibition is held at the Royal Academy of Arts — a space that befits work of this much command.
There’s fire in his storytelling. A cultural fluency that speaks to us with humour, power, beauty and truth. Kerry James Marshall isn’t just contributing to the culture; he is the culture. Seeing his work up close evokes a deep sense of remembering — a reconnection with what you’ve always known.
We left the exhibition reminded of the fierce beauty in being unapologetically, boldly and imaginatively yourself. That message is not just inspiring — it’s necessary.
Tickets for Kerry James Marshall: The Histories are available now at the Royal Academy of Arts.
