Mark Heringer is a self-taught African-American artist and has been living in San Francisco for the past twenty years. His 3D mixed media collages utilize images, symbols and color to project his lived black experience while focusing on the surreal nature of race and its meaning. His exploration of how it changes over time to adapt to different countries' histories and cultures often blurs the line between figurative and abstraction.

“I moved here intentionally to be part of a diverse and vibrant city that could challenge me and my perception of the world, put me in contact with new people and ideas, and to live in a place where I could raise a family and be creative. However, it has been challenging to connect with artists, curators, art spaces, and art buyers, due in part to the lack of support for people of color, specifically Black people, as this city's Black creativity has few avenues to showcase their talents.”

Mark’s process starts with sketching out concepts based on the number of canvases for the designated space. In the sketch he layers ideas, symbols, images, figures, landscapes, and pictures. Then he recreates the sketch utilizing any materials he has access to creating a layered collage. Mark uses resin/lacquer to highlight, cover, and bind all the different parts to the canvas. To finish, he engages a local woodworker to build custom frames out of reclaimed wood.

Mark’s inspired by such great artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Romare Bearden, Albert Huie, as well as African art and traditional African religious practices. Mark enjoys mixing and combining styles & techniques to achieve his desired effect.

Check out Mark’s art in person at his solo show at Taqueria Pancho Villa in the heart of the Mission District. Mark was part of The Drawing Room’s show 'Sky' that opened Feb 18th.

Feature Published: February 17, 2023
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