“Better Homes, Better Gardens” is a 1994 artwork by Kerry James Marshall, associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) and Expressionism art movements. The artwork belongs to the figurative genre.
The artwork portrays a vibrant yet nuanced depiction of a community scene, with two prominent figures interacting in the foreground. These figures are notably rendered in deep, flat tones, engaging in a handshake or embrace, signifying a connection or solidarity. The background reveals a neighborhood environment, with brick buildings, trees, and blooming flowers, all painted in rich, layered colors. The phrase “Better Homes, Better Gardens” is inscribed on a ribbon, symbolically tying the elements of the scene together. The sign “Welcome to Wentworth Gardens” appears amidst the lush, exaggerated foliage, integrating the theme of community and growth. The use of contrasting hues and bold outlines heightens the expressive quality of the artwork, capturing a poignant narrative within an everyday setting.
