Voyager 1992

Kerry James Marshall created this painting titled, "Voyager," of indeterminate date. It is made of acrylic and collage on canvas. The artwork is rich with symbols from various cultural and historical contexts that invite us to navigate the depths of collective memory. Note the recurring motif of the vessel as a symbol of passage, an archetypal image found in various forms, from ancient Egyptian boats carrying souls to the afterlife to the ships of European explorers charting new worlds. The voyage motif is not merely about physical movement; it also embodies a psychological journey, a quest for identity and meaning. The act of voyaging connects to cultural memory and the subconscious processes by which societies grapple with their past and present. This image resonates with the viewer as it navigates through layers of history and identity. This echoes a non-linear cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving with new meanings in each context.