Artist Marcus Kwame Anderson draws inspiration from iconic Black women in his life – from those that he’s never met to those that know him the best.
“My mother, every payday, would bring home a new sketchbook,” Anderson said.
Much of his work represents the range and diversity of the African diaspora.
What You Need To Know
- The Black Dimensions in Art exhibit features 17 different artists from across the Capital Region and is open to the public through the end of February
- Marcus Kwame Anderson is one artist featured in the exhibit
- The exhibit's mission is “to educate the public about the unique contributions of artists of the African Diaspora within the American art scene through exhibitions, publications, television, and other media”
Art is how Marcus communicates. It allows him to capture Black history in a way that he feels most connected with.
“I illustrated a graphic novel about the Black Panther party. I always loved comics and Black history,” Anderson said. The idea of being able to do both with a major publisher has honestly been the biggest blessing of my artistic career.”
He’s showcasing some of his work at the Art Associates Gallery in Albany for a month-long exhibit titled “HERstory: The Women in our Lives.”
“I wanted to focus on Black women because there’s so many instances in our world that focuses on Black people's struggles. But I think peace is just as important if not more,” Anderson said.
The body of work is curated by Black Dimensions in Art and focuses on celebrating Black women from the past, present and future.
“People come to art in a less defensive way, but art is something you come to when you have a conversation with yourself,” Anderson said.
It’s a personal conversation that often elicits memories. One gallery viewer says a painting reminds her of an iconic gospel artist that she grew up listening to.
“It reminds me of a young Mahalia Jackson. I feel like she’s singing her soul, that she’s getting really into it,” said Marie Nazon.