Figuring History: Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas
Bridging three generations and shaped by distinctive historic events, the large-scale tableaux of Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, and Mickalene Thomas open compelling perspectives on Black culture and representation in an ever changing social and political landscape.
Figuring History: Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas brings together the works of three singular American artists whose work redefines history painting in a contemporary context. Bridging three generations and shaped by distinctive historic events, the large-scale tableaux of Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, and Mickalene Thomas open compelling perspectives on Black culture and representation in an ever changing social and political landscape. Though unique in style and subject matter, these artists are united by presenting counter-narratives to an art history dominated by European ideals. These alternative histories challenge and reinterpret the exulted lineage of history painting.