“Souvenir I,” created by Kerry James Marshall in 1997, employs acrylic, glitter, collage, and canvas in this striking genre painting that embodies the principles of Expressionism. This notable artwork is part of the collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, Illinois, and measures 274.3 by 398.8 centimeters.
The artwork presents a poignant and reflective interior scene, highlighted by a central figure adorned with golden wings, possibly representing an angel or a spiritual guardian. This figure is attentively arranging a bouquet of flowers on a table, which sits in a modestly furnished, yet vividly detailed, living room. The backdrop includes a mix of nostalgic and ornate decor elements such as patterned wallpaper, a display cabinet with collectibles, various plants, and a lamp, deepening the sense of a personal space filled with memories.
Above this domestic tableau, a cloud-like formation stretches across the upper portion of the canvas, adorned with portraits and golden embellishments. The text “In Memory of” suggests a commemorative tone, honoring figures from the past who are depicted in the portraits. To the right sits a large black frame inscribed with “We Mourn Our Loss,” featuring three prominent individuals commemorated within, adding a historical and emotional depth to the piece. The juxtaposition of the familiar domestic setting with the solemn act of remembrance encapsulates a complex narrative of loss, memory, and reverence within the African American experience, a recurring theme in Marshall’s work.
