Kerry James Marshall: the artist who only paints black people | Channel 4 News

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Black artist Kerry James Marshall decided at a young age to never paint a white person again. His work now hangs in the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world.
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[@h.j.w2783]

what a redundant title to this video. I was expecting him to be some sort of black nationalist or something. This guys a bloody good artist, who gives a fuck whether he only draws black people, some people only prefer to draw landscapes...he's not a racist. This guys intelligent. and very talented.

[@zacharyromero9377]

This man is an incredible artist. I saw his work at the MCA in Chicago and was literally stunned. If you're anywhere in the midwest, do yourself a favor and go his exhibition, right now.

[@ronaldolamont]

"The artist who only paints black people", is such a ridiculous statement!! A white artist who only paints white people would never get that kind of question or statement!!

[@lifelinesomalia]

There is nothing wrong with that there are many people who paint only their people, chines Indians European Arab and there are many African who just paint black people.

[@vision2918]

I am a artist my self and I understand what he is really saying in his art and about his art .

LOL!!!!! thanks for taking time out of your busy artist day to fucking post.

[@iayyam]

those pieces are GORGEOUS

[@jemase7931]

I just got back from the Cody, WY museum. There was not a single black cowboy in any painting or sculpture. The cowboy culture is worshipped in this country, but it was not a really white culture. A quarter of the real old west cowboys were black. They did the roughest, most dangerous work. More than another quarter were Mexican. There was also a hefty number of Native Americans and some Chinese. Take back the rugged, independent black cowboy heritage and force it to be acknowledged.

[@executiveshirts2919]

Kenny Rogers once said on TV that 4 out of 5 Cowboys in the Old West was Black. I was startled. He sung enough of Lionel Ritchie's songs to know.

[@jemase7931]

@@executiveshirts2919 I think Kenny was exaggerating. Or, maybe he saw a percentage which included Mexicans (a big group), Indians and Chinese and thought they were all black.

[@vision2918]

Their is nothing wrong with this kind of art. It is really about black education of black history which is really not talked about much at all. This new generation need to be educated about black history and if it has to be showed in anyone's art.

[@turtles6610]

Ben Redares What a clown. Take a World history course, idiot.

[@christinepope6147]

If you don't know about the history. You want know about the history and you are lack of knowledge. Why is it that when someone come's alone.And talk sense about positive things.Their is always someone saying something stupid.

[@smellyfish36]

They made a fucking month for it. And the new generation needs to be taught about rich corporations controlling the world and the dangers of the military industrial complex. Black people love to forget that there are poor white people.

[@turtles6610]

That Llama is actually kinda scary.

[@nerueru5756]

***** I don't see any white people gaining oscars for portraying their life as a slave. That's the reality. That is the real and sad history. It may be hard for your to sympathize, empathize, really I don't believe it is possible for you to be in such a person's shoe. But you will respect the fact that everyone is entitled to dignity and common courtesy. Try not to use such sweeping statements or belittle the institutions that have been hard won, oh yes literally won through blood, by said black people. Watch PBS. Very informative.

[@ronaldolamont]

It's funny that it seems to be a big deal that a black artist decides to only paint black people, but it's never even assumed that a white artist is expected to paint any thing but white people!!!

[@jacanewkirk6511]

exactly

[@vanessazaragoza8432]

Kerry James Marshall is an inspiration to all minorities. I am not black I am Latina but I can definitely relate. GREAT JOB! I saw his exhibit at the MCA in Chicago, they were so touching. I loved it.

[@Ferrari70535]

I must see this guys work. He made a powerful decision at a young age and that set him apart from his peers. His work on a technical level is visually majestic stunning, bold and at the same time reminds you of your conditioning. Its made me think about my ideals about beauty and my own personal struggles.

[@CIIIKINGS]

brilliant brother

[@beardzbrothersleathergoods]

black artisians should always stay true to self .

[@africandefender2967]

Beardz brothers leather goods Always

[@amut6647]

so you're saying black people should only paint black people? you people are fucked.

[@PaulRamnora]

Personally speaking, I can recall going along to Morley College in UK/London; to do a 12 x weeks introductory Fine Art Foundation course(which I did not choose to continue with for the rest of the year). We did a lot of artistic research; and, I would frequently mention why are there no 'black/brown/yellow' angels in art? But, instead, they are all 'white'...??? In fact, in the whole of Christianity, (I'm Christian myself), the drawings/paintings/sculptures I come across tend to be all 'white': Jesus/Mary/-etc....whether these works were created either yesterday/or else, today. Sometimes, I wonder does that really and truly reflect the fact that during our modern day era Christianity is, in fact, a worldwide religion...? I also met a black female painter; and, she painted realistically; but, I noticed she only drew/painted blacks. She actually encouraged me to paint 'blacks', only. But, I just replied, no; I don't wish to 'limit' myself in any way; I believe in drawing/painting any race I see in the world; including, 'mixed race'. I'm not saying, that if a person only wishes to paint exclusively (or, almost exculsively) people of their own colour; then, to me, that's their own business, alone. Let them do whatever it is they want; and, me, I'll do what I want; as there's really little anyone can do about it to stop them, anyway. When I look at Picasso, one of my most fav. artists in the whole wide world; I see almost exclusively 'whites'. So, what...? Does this imply that Picasso was 'racist'? Somehow, I think, not. I'm far more inclined to believe that the people who he mostly dealt with in life were 'whites'; so, therefore, he mostly drew/painted 'whites'. There are many other 'white' people artists whose work I've encountered who choose to draw/paint people of every colour; and, I'm sure, there are coloured people who draw/paint exclusively 'whites'; so, in the end it's basically up to them what they chose to do; and, really that's that; whatever makes you feel most truly comfortable, I guess. At the end of the day, art is all about exercising your own free will, and, particular choice. I'm not sure that outsiders should be allowed to 'dictate' exactly what an artist either should/or, shouldn't do...! Though, everybody is allowed full freedom to express their opinions about any artists work. Personally speaking, I disagree that painting should be all about drawing/painting only your 'own' race, exclusively, alone. After all that said and done, though; I really respect and admire the sheer skill; and, quality of this artists work; which, I think, is certainly up there with the very best of them who ever yet lived. I like, too, the fact that his art works are filling in the gap of 'coloureds' being unlisted in art. When I regularly go and visit seeing many London galleries like The Tate/National/-etc....I mostly tend to see drawings/paintings/sculptures that are almost exclusively...possibly, 99%...'white'. So, I can definitely see where he's coming from, and, that he's got a point...coloured people as art does 'need' to be included.

[@greatsongz1211]

Amazing!! The pieces are beyond gorgeous

[@BrothahB]

I want to meet his beautiful human being.

[@kayoubre8099]

What beautiful work!

[@yahyah9184]

The phenomenal artistries of Kerry James Marshall extraordinary brilliance!

[@nyrethepoet9852]

Love his Work , so beautiful 🎨

[@blackstudies8974]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you channel 4 for sharing this amazing artist

[@margof1437]

I'M A TOTAL FAN..& DARK AS WELL! Paint on brothaman...forget Leo Dvinc, You got more than they could ever bring to the "center". Props. I w/b looking for your artwork. Respectfully, Margo

[@MajorIllustration]

Seems like the most important part of this interview is at the end, about four min. in. Not enough in America are going for it, because they..."expect someone else is supposed to provide", but you need to believe you can do something, take charge and do it. I hear parents telling their little toddlers, "You can't do that!" That's where it starts. Too bad the title was worded that way, but, I'm sure it lured more in for views.

[@ArtStudioMU]

What's the name of the song in the intro?

[@vision2918]

This generation don't want to know anything but what they know now? NOTHING....

[@willdixon9525]

Nice style!!

[@raymondwoodard3159]

SoloArt Studio You an artist.

[@willdixon9525]

Yes

[@nerueru5756]

"Recouping the power and the beauty that exists in blackness even at that extreme." There are many shades to black. It's just skin color. But art isn't about color, it's about people. A lot of artists now are slowly beginning to embrace and portray black people, and sometimes in a cliched whitewashed way. A person of true African descent doesn't have big wavy puffy hair. They just don't. Portraying people like that or with relaxed hair doesn't make them bad people. Just that a bit of perspective is needed. Take this video for what it is. A matter of perspective. Saliently so. Remember, we are one people.

[@kelymknowles1]

I am a white female but my portraits focus on multi-cultural love in all fashions. I highlight the subjects body language to express their strong emotions for each other. Subjects include everyone from a dark black man and pale white female romantically embracing each other as one.... to a dark black woman cradling her pale white child that clings tightly to her..and everyone in between showing their deep affection and love for one another. I don't believe, support or encourage separatism in any way. Having an inter-racial president has nothing to do with art. If Obama were white he would never have been elected but as an elected president, he would have been impeached and prosecuted long ago. Let's hope that we don't make the same mistake in electing a female president. I hope to see one in the future that we can all be proud of.

[@jacanewkirk6511]

good for you

[@Ofa337]

I STRONGLY disagree with his statement that Black people have been conditioned to think that someone will provide for them. Does this man not know his own history? He proudly paints Black people, but disrespects the culture with statements like that? No Sir.

[@africandefender2967]

African art says something

[@Sp-ck5es]

African Defender Pablo Picasso comes to mind....

[@nagolhayze9366]

Pigmentation does not always assure political success ...

[@vision2918]

How could this be racist it is just a different form of art express by someone who is making and impression of black art history which was way back in the days that we as black African Americans didn't have too much. I can not say about any white form of white history just as of what was then but today it's different. And another thing i say again their is nothing wrong with this and yes their is 2 different side's to each story.But in order for anyone to know they must study black history to know the history and mistreatment and hanging may i say more. And no look and read for your self and know the history.

[@ramonarichards743]

It's not Racist He chooses to paint his own I have respect for his choice as others should or become an dang artist yourself and ... paint what u like . Respect the man's choices it feels good.. when it's all about us and no one else for a change ! Since our legacy have been ripped off stolen and everything we created' ripped off ! Including our culture ripped off our melanin our organs ripped let us keep Kerry James Marshall' wisdom and choices as is.... and Respect My Brother. As my late great sister Aretha Franklins ( Rest in Paradise beloved ) Song says Respect ! ! stay blessed all! My grandson use to say Nana we can't have nothing! it's real y'all..

[@amut6647]

It's not but imagine if it was a white guy and the title was "artist who only paints white people"... hypocritical at the very least.

[@Sp-ck5es]

He sees "divinity", in himself.. Nothing wrong with that...

[@okuomose1]

Puff daddy made me come here

[@mrpopo6964]

Seems fine to me considering there are people who only paint / draw / whatever anyone but black people.

[@Austin-jh2jw]

the title to this video is very ignorant and incendiary

[@peerawatphompan2188]

That goods

[@Mamicharles]

GODS

[@AtelierofZ_Co24]

literally BLACK, lol, its pretty though.

[@MRayner59]

Seems childishly racist - two wrongs don't make a right.

[@MRayner59]

Ben Redares Are you being sarcastic, or are you really that stupid?

[@BACKTHATUP100]

Childish in what sense? Marshall appears to be attempting to fill a void which he feels to be lacking in (at least in the western) art world; that of the Black African subject. As Marshall states the image of Black Africans has long existed at the periphery of much of mainstream Western art and hasn't been much explored the way he has. Further the idea of caste and the desire felt by many African peoples on the continent to attain a lighter shade and the diaspora has had little exploration. I see Marshall's work as trying to attain an equilibrium in the art world, following the same ethos as things like Black history month.

[@MRayner59]

Louis R Childish in the sense of being simplistic, puerile even. It’s perhaps no coincidence that he arrived at this “conscious decision” at a relatively young age. I understand the counterbalancing rationale behind it and there’s clearly been a lack of black representation in western art for hundreds of years - for completely obvious reasons - but to dogmatically state that he will not paint white people just seems silly. Especially so given that he appropriates familiar motifs from white painters of the past in his works - only, of course, now populated with black people. If he did that a number of times it would be more than sufficient to make his point. There really seems no need to put that very simple notion at the centre of ALL his work… forever. Focusing so intently and exclusively on that one theme seems to leave out a whole lot of diversity and variety in the world that he could otherwise explore.

[@MRayner59]

***** I'm not "offended" - simply making a comment. Just like you're doing. And the reasons for "every white painter in history" (which isn't true, by the way - ever heard of Gauguin, for example?) is because they lived in an almost entirely white society.

[@MRayner59]

***** Well, how about the Renaissance Dutch painter Jan Mostaert then? And there are others if one cares to look, so your original assertion about "every white painter in history" was bullshit.

[@r.j.johnson1867]

Without doubt you are very gifted. Shame you limit yourself in every way with that gigantic chip on your shoulder. The statement you believe you are making isn't the one I believe you want to make. You hurt inside. Just make art. Let it heal you. Plenty of white people don't fix that broken window either.

[@cross75man75]

From Leonardo to Picasso to Hockney, name me one white artist who regularly include blacks in his repertoire.

[@jacanewkirk6511]

you can sy what you wnt but as a child of the 90s i noticed the lack of representation. but imagine not seeing representation at all. he grew up in it

[@West-Telecom]

Natural IDIOT