The artwork “Bang,” created by Kerry James Marshall in 1994, is a striking example of Expressionism and belongs to the genre painting category. In this artwork, Marshall explores profound themes through a vivid and dynamic representation.
The artwork presents an outdoor scene laden with symbolic elements and gestures. At the center, three children are depicted, with two boys standing and saluting the American flag, while a girl stands nearby observing them. The boys are dressed uniformly in white shirts and red trousers, whereas the girl wears a white top and a pink skirt. The backdrop consists of a suburban neighborhood with neatly arranged houses, a white picket fence, and a lush green lawn scattered with yellow flowers. Nearby, a black barbecue grill stands, emitting a trail of smoke that intertwines with the children’s activities. Below, a banner reading “HAPPY JULY 4TH – WE ARE ONE” underscores the celebratory event as small clouds labeled with each word including an emphatic “BANG”. The composition, through deliberate use of colors and placement, encapsulates themes of unity, patriotism, and the experiences of African Americans within a broader cultural context.
