Monoliths #28, Monoliths #33, and Monoliths #49
by Mark Gens
About the Artist
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 and his MFA from Pratt Institute(2016) in Brooklyn. In addition to his prolific studio practice, Mark has worked on community building projects with youth, curated exhibitions, and exhibited internationally. 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 and 90s. This deeply affecting experience became the driving force in his life and in his studio practice. Although this was a dark time for New York City, he 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.