Artist and alumnus Mark Greenfield gives guests something to talk about

July 2, 2015
Mark Greenfield

Greenfield was featured at a recent reception hosted by Cal State L.A.  

The work of artist Mark Steven Greenfield (`87) sometimes raises thorny questions and sometimes sparks debates—which is exactly what Greenfield expects it to do.

“The work was always intended to stimulate the type of honest dialogue and engagement that has for far too long been avoided and it is needed more than ever today,” Greenfield told a gathering at a recent reception hosted by Cal State L.A. 

About 100 alumni, friends and supporters of the University attended the reception, which was held at the California African American Museum. The evening included an artist’s tour of the exhibit, Lookin’ Back in Front of Me: Selected Works of Mark Steven Greenfield.

PHOTOS: Mark Greenfield reception

The exhibit is a retrospective of Greenfield’s work, which is based on his research in literature, cinema, history and the visual arts. His work explores themes such as Afro-futurism, genealogy, gang culture, African American stereotypes and the artistic renaissance of the Crenshaw community.   

President William A. Covino said Greenfield’s career “reflects engagement, service, and the public good.” President Covino

“He is approachable and generous, and we are so proud to recognize his work in this space,” Covino said.

Greenfield is a former director of the Watts Tower Arts Center and the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. In 2013 he was a visiting professor at the California Institute of the Arts. Greenfield teaches at Cal State L.A. and is a member of the President’s Council.

Photos: Top, Mark Greenfield speaks at the California African American Museum. Bottom, President William A. Covino welcomes guests to the event. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State L.A.)

 

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Cal State L.A. is a university dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 24,000 students and 235,000 distinguished alumni, who are as diverse as the city we serve. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Cal State L.A. has long been recognized as an engine of economic and social mobility. Led by an award-winning faculty, the University offers nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education and the humanities.

Cal State L.A. is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex, TV, Film and Media Center and the Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good. For more information, visit CalStateLA.edu, or like us at Facebook.com/CalStateLA