ARTIST TALKS

10/16/23
José Benítez of Mobile Print Power, 6pm via Zoom

José Daniel Benítez is a multimedia artist, and activist, who holds an MA in Media Studies from The New School and a BA in Graphic Design From Baruch College. His work spans participatory art, video installations, photography, and silkscreen printing, exploring the intersectionality of identity and struggles. He is well known for being a core member of Mobile Print Power (MPP), since 2016. 

MPP is a dynamic and multigenerational artistic collective rooted in New York City's diverse cultural tapestry. Founded in 2013, MPP originated as a weekly printmaking and political education workshop at Immigrant Movement International in Corona, Queens. Over time, it evolved into a true collective, with participants like José Daniel Benítez actively contributing to its growth and impact. Benítez plays a pivotal role in spearheading events and collaborations that resonate with the collective's mission. His artistic vision is deeply intertwined with the values of MPP, where he harnesses the power of collective action to promote social and cultural awareness. Through his creative leadership and passion for social justice, José has helped MPP amplify its impact within communities, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring positive change.

11/20/23
Jamaal Barber, 6pm via Zoom

Jamaal Barber recently completed his MFA in Printmaking at Georgia State University. Before school, he worked as a full-time artist doing exhibitions and commissions for companies across the country. Jamaal’s work has been published with Twitter, the New York Times, Penguin Random House, Black Art in America, and Emory University. His work has been included in the Decatur Arts Festival, Atlanta Print Biennial Show, Print Austin, and the Center for Contemporary Printmaking.
 

"I found my artistic voice in the process of printmaking. I love the direct nature of relief printing. My style is bold, graphic forms with the intricate carving of patterns. I work into the prints with screenprinting, acrylic paint, drawing and whatever other medium will help me achieve the texture and style I’m looking to achieve.

My prints make social commentary about the issues I see affecting the Black community. I express the anger, the pride, the pain, and the triumph of Black life." (Barber)

12/04/23
Yuji Hiratsuka, 6pm via Zoom

Yuji Hiratsuka was born in Osaka, Japan. He has a B.S. in Art Education from Tokyo Gakugei University, and degrees in printmaking from New Mexico State University (MA) and Indiana University (MFA). He has been teaching printmaking and drawing since 1987 and until his retirement in 2022 served as a Professor of printmaking at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.

Hiratsuka has received numerous international awards. Since 2010 he has had 13 solo shows in the US, as well as in Korea, Canada and Northern Ireland. Some of the public collections that include Hiratsuka’s art are The British Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, Tokyo Central Museum, Panstwowe Museum in Poland; The House of Humor and Satire in Bulgaria, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cleveland Art Museum, Portland Art Museum, New York Public Library, The Library of Congress and The Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art.   

BS in Art Education from Tokyo Gakugei University, and degrees in printmaking from New Mexico State (MA) and Indiana (MFA) universities. I have been teaching printmaking since 1987 and until my retirement in 2022 served as a Printmaking Professor  at OSU. Major public collections: The British Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, Portland Art Museum, New York Public Library, The Library of Congress and The Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art.   
 

INSTAGRAM: @hiratsuy