Provenance
The artist; sold through Jack Shainman Gallery, New York [copy of invoice in curatorial object file], to the Art Institute of Chicago, October 13, 2008.
Accession Number
192695
Medium
Acrylic on polyvinyl
Dimensions
186 × 155 cm (73 1/4 × 61 in.)
Classification
acrylic paintings (visual works)
Credit Line
Through prior gift of Adeline Yates; Benjamin Argile Memorial, Cyrus Hall McCormick, Alfred and May Tiefenbronner Memorial, Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Logan Prize, Pauline Palmer Prize, Broadus James Clarke Memorial, Norman Wait Harris Prize, William H. Bartels Prize, Joyce Van Pilsum, Laura T. Magnuson Acquisition, Ann M. Vielehr Prize, and Ada S. Garrett Prize funds; Flora Mayer Witkowsky Award for American Art; Boles C. and Hyacinth G. Drechney and Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Brower Prize funds; The Municipal Art League Prize for Portraiture; Marjorie and Louis Susman, Martin B. Cahn Prize, and Elisabeth Mathews funds
Background & Context
Background Story
Kerry James Marshall's Vignette #2.75 (2008) is an acrylic on polyvinyl painting from a series of small-scale works. These works are intimate in scale but ambitious in content, exploring themes of African American life through densely detailed compositions. The acrylic on polyvinyl technique allows for bright, clear colors and precise edges. The Vignette series allowed Marshall to explore ideas that would later be developed in his larger paintings.
Cultural Impact
Marshall's Vignette series represents an important aspect of his practice, allowing him to explore themes in an intimate format.
Why It Matters
This small-scale vignette captures a scene from African American life with Marshall's characteristic formal sophistication, the acrylic technique creating a composition of precision and depth.
