Update: The New York Times reports Diddy was the mystery buyer of the artwork by black artist Kerry Marshall. The billionaire was reportedly introduced to the painting by friend and fellow music artist Swizz Beatz. The buy is reported to be the most to ever be spent on the work of a black artist.

“I know that this work has found a home in a collection with purpose and an eye toward preserving legacy — that of Sean Combs, and that means a lot,” Jack Shainman, Marshall's art dealer told The Times.

Original story: Chicago’s Kerry James painted the “Past Times” acrylic collage over 20 years ago, where it hung in a McCormick Place exhibit. The painting was sold for $21.1M at the Sotheby auction Wednesday, May 16, and the artist may not see any of that profit.

“Past Times” features a black family and other black lake-goers relaxing in a Chicago park with the skyline in the background. Those depicted are playing croquet and golf, as well as boating and water skiing – activities stereotypically done by whites and affluent people, which opens a conversation of what blackness is and what it can do.

The painting was originally bought for $25,000 by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), who owns the McCormick Place, in 1997. After the multimillion dollar buy, the MPEA multiplied its money more than a hundred times. Before fees were applied, the winning bid came to $18.5 million, which will go toward the center’s $500 million budget dedicated to maintenance projects spanning the next 15 years.

According to MPEA spokeswoman Cynthia McCafferty, this sale is the center’s return on investment to date.

“It definitely exceeded our expectations,” McCafferty told the Chicago Tribune.

Many executives for the center and art appreciators alike call this moment a shining example of what James is capable of and believe it will work to uplift his art in the future. James, who is 62, has been painting for 40 years. His work, matched with his experience as an African-American artist whose work comments on the black experience, makes him attractive to art lovers.

“The rise of African-American artists is part of a broader tendency to reevaluate neglected artists that’s been going on for a few years,” art advisor Candace Worth told The New York Times. “We’re opening a conversation, and the market is playing catch-up.”

“Clearly there’s a growing international appreciation of what these artists have achieved,” said Senior Director of Lévy Gorvy Gallery Lock Kresler. “Collectors realize they add weight to their collections.”

However, because James had already donated the painting and removed himself as owner, he is unlikely to receive any of the $21.1 million.

Similarly, James was paid $1 for his most recent work: a mural for the Chicago Cultural Center that features historical female figures like Ruth Page and Oprah Winfrey.

Many have called into question the legitimacy of this deal and whether it is fair that the artist be left out of the $21.1 million deal.

Last night Kerry might of made history but it’s not likely he’ll see a dime from this sell. (He sold the work for 25k in 1977).

It’s time we start talking about royalties for visual artists. This is theft by another name and I’d be ready to fight. https://t.co/eQLPqAE9cY— sirsargent (@Sirsargent) May 17, 2018

Is this truly a story about the historical presence of a black artist being taken advantage of for their work, or an artist finally being recognized, at least in title, for his lifetime of efforts?

kerry james

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