Kerry James Marshall’s ‘The Histories’ redefines Black representation in British art

The first major UK retrospective of American artist Kerry James Marshall, ‘The Histories,’ explores themes of Black identity, history, and cultural resilience through an expansive and evolving body of work at London’s Royal Academy of Arts until 2026.

Kerry James Marshall’s retrospective exhibition, “The Histories,” currently on display at London’s Royal Academy of Arts until 18 January 2026, marks a significant milestone as the first major UK exhibition dedicated to this influential American artist. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1955 and relocating to Los Angeles at age eight, Marshall developed early ambitions to create images that confront the absence of Black figures in the Western art historical canon. His commitment to portraying scenes of everyday Black life was profoundly shaped by the work of African American artist and teacher Charles White, whom he encountered while studying at the Otis Art Institute.

Among the highlights is “A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self” (1980), a small but powerful black-on-black self-portrait executed in egg tempera, a medium that recalls early Sienese painting and also nods to American regionalist Ben Shahn. Painted shortly after Marshall graduated from Otis, this work integrates art historical references and literary influences, including James Joyce’s titular novel and Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” to explore themes of Black identity and invisibility. The composition’s deliberate abstraction and parodic elements challenge racial stereotypes while asserting the artist’s presence within the broader art historical narrative.

The exhibition spans eleven galleries and includes ambitious works such as “Wake” (2003–ongoing), a model sailboat positioned on black Plexiglass. This evolving piece symbolises the descendants of the first enslaved Africans brought to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. By continually adding new painted portraits, Marshall reflects the dynamic and expanding presence of African Americans and their accomplishments throughout North American history. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Kunsthaus Zürich and the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris, emphasising the international recognition of Marshall’s artistic significance.

Marshall’s election as an Honorary Royal Academician in 2022 further underlines his influence in contemporary art. His work uniquely blends Western artistic traditions with African heritage, crafting a complex visual language that addresses the historical erasure and underrepresentation of Black bodies in art. “The Histories” serves both as a retrospective examination and a vibrant dialogue about race, culture, and identity, inviting audiences to reconsider entrenched narratives through Marshall’s powerful imagery.

Admission to the exhibition starts from £23, with concessions available and free entry for under-16s and Friends of the Royal Academy, making this a significant cultural event accessible to diverse audiences. Through his extensive and evolving oeuvre, Kerry James Marshall continues to assert a vital presence in the art world, reshaping the understanding of Black life and history within visual art.

📌 Reference Map:

• Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Le Monde Diplomatique), ^[4] (Chicago Magazine)
• Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Le Monde Diplomatique), ^[4] (Chicago Magazine), ^[5] (New Yorker), ^[7] (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
• Paragraph 3 – ^[2] (Sotheby’s)
• Paragraph 4 – ^[3] (The Mayfair Musings), ^[2] (Sotheby’s)
• Paragraph 5 – ^[3] (The Mayfair Musings), ^[1] (Le Monde Diplomatique)

Source: Noah Wire Services

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Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is current, published in November 2025, and provides recent insights into Kerry James Marshall’s exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, which runs until January 2026.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The direct quotes from Kerry James Marshall and references to his works are consistent with his known statements and publications, with no discrepancies found.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from Le Monde Diplomatique, a reputable publication known for its in-depth analysis and coverage of cultural events.

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The details about the exhibition, including dates, featured works, and themes, align with information from other reputable sources, confirming the narrative’s accuracy.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is current, sourced from a reputable publication, and aligns with other credible reports on Kerry James Marshall’s exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.