Rythm Mastr

(Click on the images to learn about each of the main characters.)

Meet Stasha and her boyfriend Farell, teenagers who become caught in the violence of their urban neighborhood, and the Rythm Mastr, an elderly man who brings African sculpture to life through his use of traditional drumming.

For the Pages visual arts experience we will explore the artist Kerry James Marshall’s exhibition of Every Beat of My Heart, from the Rythm Mastr series. The story originally in the form of a comic narrative will come to life through contemporary sculpture and the traditional Japanese art form of Bunraku puppetry.

Rythm Mastr

(Click on each image to enlarge and read descriptions)

These images are examples of the kind of traditional African sculptures Kerry James Marshall used as influence for his characters in The Rythm Mastr. Each sculpture has a name and unique characteristics. As you see the images translated in graphic narrative and later through contemporary sculpture and puppetry, think about why Marshall chose these particular sculptures and how the characteristics associated with each influence the personality and actions of the characters in the Rythm Mastr story.

As you consider this, also think of what characteristics you want your own characters to have in your individual graphic narratives. Think about what influences and inspires you in history or in contemporary culture. What elements can you draw from to begin building your story?