WHAT? Kerry James Marshall: The Histories

WHERE? Royal Academy of Arts, Main Galleries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD

WHEN? Now until 18 January 2026

WHY GO? To feel the force of art. Buzzing between past and present, Chicago artist Kerry James Marshall is renowned for large figurative paintings of everyday life in the Black community. From barber shops to boat trips, he records the ups and downs with humour and sincerity, portraying reality from every angle. This epic show of 70 works transforms the galleries with large gatherings of people, relatable to every family occasion, interacting and happily hanging out. Then things get darker. He portrays Black American life historically, with brushes with spiritual history, Black Power movements and symbolic references around slavery. Beneath the humour are cleverly disguised pointers that shake up prevailing narratives. As the title suggests, it is a ‘history’, told through powerful paintings – the good, the bad and the ugly. Marshall is often described as godfather to the contemporary renaissance of Black figurative painting, and this monumental show confirms that reputation.

IN THE KNOW Marshall was elected an RA Honorary Academician in 2022, and this, his largest ever European exhibition, marks his 70th birthday. ‘Painting Narratives’ is a weekend painting course (25-26 October) inspired by his show, led by artist Shannon Bono.