Mark Francis (b.1982, New Orleans, Louisiana) is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Houston, Texas. His work often addresses his own experience as a Black man, depicting his peers and himself in situations of vulnerability and humanity. Francis lays bare the preconceptions that surround Black men of his age. While intent on depicting joy through color and intimate renditions of his friend’s laughter, Francis also acknowledges the impact of racial a priori on his own mental health. Francis’ practice would not be his own without a playful and ever-evolving technical experimentation using drawing, collage, and painting.
Mark has been awarded grants from both Houston Arts Alliance and The Idea fund for work that has been shown to be a benefit to the communities his work engages. He has also been in for his photographic works. Mark also has works housed in prestigious collections including the Houston Endowment Permanent Collection, The Guess Lawson Collection, and the Lester Marks Art Collection, to name a few. In Addition to being an artist, Mark is also an art educator, father, and husband. He completed his graduate studies as an MFA candidate at the University of Houston’s Katherine G. McGovern School of Art in May 2024