The Fine Arts Lecture Series is a cornerstone of CCA's vibrant campus culture, providing an exceptional platform for students to engage with eminent artists from around the world. This dynamic immersive series offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to witness the creative process, gain insights into diverse artistic perspectives, and interact with established professionals.

Through these inspiring interactions, students are not only exposed to cutting-edge techniques and innovative concepts but also encouraged to think critically, question norms, and broaden their artistic horizons. The series fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity, cultural enrichment, and creative growth, empowering students to evolve as both skilled artists and well-rounded individuals poised for success in the competitive world of contemporary art.

FEATURED ARTIST:

rafa esparza (b. 1981, Los Angeles; lives and works in Los Angeles) received a BA from University of California, Los Angeles (2011). Solo exhibitions have been held at Artists Space, New York (2023); Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles (2021); MASS MoCA, North Adams (2019); ArtPace, San Antonio (2018); and Ballroom Marfa (2017). Selected group exhibitions have been held at Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco (2023); Commonwealth and Council, Mexico City (2022); Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (2022); Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University, Houston (2020); San Diego Art Institute (2019); Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2017); and Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (2016). esparza is a recipient of a Pérez Prize (2022), Latinx Artist Fellowship (2021), Lucas Artist Fellowship (2020), Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award (2017), Art Matters Foundation Grant (2014), and California Community Foundation Fellowship for Visual Artists (2014). He has participated in residencies at Artpace San Antonio (2018) and Wanlass Artist in Residence, OXY ARTS, Los Angeles (2016).

esparza’s work is in the collections of Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Dallas Museum of Art; San Jose Museum of Art; Minneapolis Institute of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Kadist Art Foundation; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; and Vincent Price Art Museum, Los Angeles.

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