Kerry James Marshall: Mastry

This is a moderately hefty hardback with decent sized plates and it runs to just over 270 pages. The binding is of good quality and this volume would be a decent introduction for a curious art lover.I struggle a bit with the writing in this kind of art book and I wonder who it is aimed at and whether the writers have actually spent time with the artist in his studio and absorbed what he is trying to do.This volume does contain some reprints of pieces written by the artist himself and these give some idea of his thinking. So that’s something. Marshall has also written one of the essays which makes clear what his project is. Maybe he, like me, despairs of the state of art writing today and has taken it into his own hands.As a consumer of art books, I wish that the other essays were better written. They could be so much more informative if they left the art theory and were grounded in the artist’s world and his or her studio practice. When I read hyper inflated language I come to the conclusion that the writer is hiding his or her ignorance behind a barrage of art theory jargon.I’ll bet that the vast majority of art lovers have never even heard of semiotics, still less studied it.This book is fine. It’s good, not great. And that’s because of the writing.Kerry James Marshall is a very talented artist and he needs some better writers to carry his message into the world.

This book is an education in itself. I have worked through the essays slowly with my iPad by my side to look up the artists, events and ideas mentioned. Each is excellent and the truly transformative one by Kerry James Marshall himself, "Shall I Compare Thee..?" is personally deeply meaningful to me as a figurative artist who happens to be a woman. The reproductions and notes are terrific. Anyone interested in contemporary painting and historical issues of what people, races, cultures, nations and individuals are considered to count will find this an absorbing book.

It could have provided more of his oeuvre, instead it focused more on the historical analysis and subject matter, which is alright too. However, if you are buying for a coffee table book, there are better Kerry James Marshall books. This is for anyone who is interested in more of a textbook on Marshall.

This is an incredible book!! Now I want another Kerry James Marshal!! What beautiful work! The book arrived quickly and with no problems! Thanks!

KJM is a artistic Genius. I was lucky enough to catch his show at the MCA in Chicago while visiting and saw this catolog while there. Amazing of course had a great price on it. Its a must for anyone interested in his work.

Mr. Marshall continues to be the witness of things that others would rather not study. In his insightful observations and his craft we are offered opportunities that too few imagists utilize today.

I love it! Great coffee table book! He's an outstanding artist! You want this in your collection!

Great read. Kerry James Marshall, Robert Peterson and Kehinde Wiley are my favorite African American artist.

A great collection

This book's got gutzpah