Crystal Marshall

Crystal Marshall is a contemporary fine artist painter who lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, her paintings pay homage to her life's experiences rooted in cultural disparities in the modern-day African diaspora.  Her distinctive personal style emanates isolation, self reflection and expresses the spirit and atmosphere of the black consciousness in efforts to reconcile its relationship with true identity and image. Afro futurism, tech-skepticism and spiritual ascension are the main themes explored in her work. The artist also employs figurative and narrative scenes in a Neo-surrealistic manner to tap into the dreamlike imaginative realms.

She earned a Bachelor of General Fine arts degree from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland and also studied fine arts at Edna Manley College of Art in Kingston, Jamaica. She received a full scholarship for an exchange program at Pont  Aven School of Contemporary art in France where she showcased her work in a group exhibit. Recently she's completed her MFA in painting at SCAD University.

Crystal's artwork has been shown in exhibitions such as "Intersectionality Theory" at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, group exhibit.  She has been featured in two issues of New American Paintings South edition. In addition, Crystal has showcased her works with  Czong Institute for Contemporary Art Museum in South Korea, she debut a solo show at the Chrysler Museum of Art Perry Glass Studio in Norfolk Virginia, Spartanburg Art Museum in South Carolina and Startart Fair  2021 at the renowned Saatchi Gallery in the United Kingdom.

"My work mainly serves as a reflection and critique of societal norms. I explore narratives that evoke emotional connections and reference aspects of existence. Through symbolism and allegory, I refer to what lies beneath the surface, using varying imagery. I create imaginative realms that defy logic but are directly influenced by my experiences. I also investigate different themes that affect people from all walks of life, concerning inequality and systemic oppression which include exclusion and  exploitation, all of which forms the roots of a spiritual rebirth.

Being split between two cultures and ways of thinking has led me to create hybrid forms and concepts, fusing both science and spirituality. I reference biblical imagery to create fantasy dreamscapes, visually engaging storylines to intrigue the viewer. I utilize scientific concepts that coincide with creating other worldly realms. I also paint the invisible internal and external forces that wage against the human psyche. I show this from the perspective of an unwanted female presence in a patriarchal society, revealing spaces designated to be without women. My intent is to orchestrate unpleasant experiences and create dialog through the manifestation of beautiful imagery."

https://www.crystalamarshall.com/

Instagram: @crysart1983

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