Past Times 1997

"Past Times" is a 1997 painting by Kerry James Marshall, depicting a vibrant scene of Black leisure in a park setting. This monumental work, measuring 2289.6 x 396.2 cm, illustrates a Black family enjoying a picnic by a lake, while a man plays golf and another enjoys a boat ride. The use of bold, flat colors and meticulous detail is characteristic of Marshall's style, which draws inspiration from the tradition of American social realism. "Past Times" reflects the artist's long-standing engagement with themes of race, representation, and the American Dream.