Mark Gens is a multimedia artist whose work includes collage, installation, video, e-literature, sculpture, and critical writing. He received his BFA from Otis College of Art(2014) in Los Angeles California and his MFA from Pratt Institute(2016) in Brooklyn New York. He lives, works, and writes in Brooklyn. In addition to his prolific studio practice, Mark has worked on community building projects with youth, prepared and presented LGBTQ materials and events at the UCLA Film & Television Archive, implemented art education workshops for incarcerated people, and curated exhibits.

Both personal and political, Mark’s work generates from his experience as a queer boy who came out in New York City amid the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. This deeply affecting experience became the driving force in his life and in his studio practice. Although the 1980s were a dark time for New York City, Mark was aware of the phenomenal burgeoning creativity: hip hop culture, activist art, street art, community organizing, ACT UP, etc. He understands how creative and cultural production have always served personal and political action.

CV

Contact: markgens@markgens.com