Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House – Until 18 January 2026

Building upon the Western tradition of history painting, Kerry James Marshall makes visible individuals who were historically marginalised and noticeably absent from art history.

His powerful paintings are filled with art historical references, comics, science fiction, whilst drawing from the history of the civil right movement, his own memories.

According to the RA’s website ‘he uses these to comment on the past, celebrate everyday life and imagine more optimistic futures’.

This retrospective is the  largest outside of the US, and the first chance for many to experience his works in the UK.

Link to the Exhibition