Portrait of a Curator (in Memory of Beryl Wright) 2009

Kerry James Marshall’s 2009 painting, "Portrait of a Curator (in Memory of Beryl Wright)", is a striking example of his signature style, blending figurative elements with bold, flat planes of color. The work depicts a seated Black woman, possibly a curator herself, dressed in a white coat adorned with a colorful patterned collar, holding a pair of spectacles, and positioned against a dark background. The subject's intense gaze, rendered with meticulous detail, invites viewers to engage in a profound reflection on representation and the complexities of Black identity within the art world. The painting's meticulous detail and the simple yet impactful composition contribute to its captivating presence.