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
192717
Medium
Acrylic on Plexiglas
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 #3 (2005) is an acrylic on Plexiglas painting. The use of Plexiglas as a support is notable: the transparent surface allows the painting to interact with the wall behind it. The subject is a scene from African American life, rendered with Marshall's combination of realism and formal invention. The acrylic technique on Plexiglas requires careful handling. The colors are bright, the forms are clear.
Cultural Impact
Marshall's use of unconventional supports like Plexiglas demonstrates his experimental approach to painting.
Why It Matters
This vignette on Plexiglas showcases Marshall's technical versatility, the transparent support adding a physical dimension to the intimate scene.
