Art Quote by Kerry James Marshall
![“You can describe [Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self] as a manifesto of sorts. I saw it as a pivotal turn, a work that really led me down the avenues that brought me to where I am. That picture was the vehicle that helped me clarify a lot of things and I began to understand that…” quote by Kerry James Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/kerry-james-marshall-5157_art_you-can-describe-portrait-of-the-artist_1969257.jpg)
“You can describe [Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self] as a manifesto of sorts. I saw it as a pivotal turn, a work that really led me down the avenues that brought me to where I am. That picture was the vehicle that helped me clarify a lot of things and I began to understand that I wanted to do.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Interview with Kerry James Marshall, 2015
The artwork acted as a turning point, clarifying the artist’s purpose and direction.
In simple terms: The picture helped him find his path.
Key Takeaway
Use art to discover personal direction.
Themes
art
selfdiscovery
career
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- artist reflection
- career planning
- creative breakthroughs
Key Concepts
identity
manifesto
clarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How has a single work reshaped your goals?
- What does a manifesto mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Art may not guarantee success without practical steps.
![“[My picture A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self ] was a way of demonstrating that there was a broad range of possibilities and fairly unlimited utility for a black figure that didn't have to comprise its blackness in order to preserve a place in the field of representation.” quote by Kerry James Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b2d/kerry-james-marshall-5157_art_my-picture-a-portrait-of-the-artist-as-a_2641070.jpg)
![“I want people to understand that this is a very calibrated image [Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self ], where point by point, very little is left to chance.” quote by Kerry James Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/970/kerry-james-marshall-5157_art_i-want-people-to-understand-that-this-is_2009456.jpg)
![“In [Ralph] Ellison's case, it's more psychological than it is phenomenal, and it's conditioned by anger, animosity, and lack of desire to engage with the black body. There was always simultaneity that had nothing to do with visuality. You can be there and not be there at the same time and be fully…” quote by Kerry James Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a13/kerry-james-marshall-5157_animosity_in-ralph-ellison-s-case-it-s-more-psycho_338598.jpg)
