Panel: The Art of Malik Seneferu

An evening of poetry and discussion in conjunction with the current African American Center exhibition, Malik Seneferu: A Retrospective. Featuring a panel discussion with artists Malik Seneferu, Dewey Crumpler (who will join us virtually) and Raymond Holbert in conversation with curator Peter Fitzsimmons.

Malik Seneferu has spent the last 35 years instructing and leading an array of artistic and cultural expressions throughout the Black diaspora in San Francisco and beyond. During this time, Seneferu has developed a multidisciplinary body of work stemming from his early, firsthand experiences dealing with prejudice and injustice, as witnessed in and around his community. In his continued pursuit to support underserved populations, he addresses these issues through his life and art, and has made a difference in the hearts and minds of many.

Dewey Crumpler's current work examines issues of globalization/ cultural co-modification through the integration of digital imagery, video and traditional painting techniques. Dewey’s works are in the permanent collections of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco DeYoung Museum, Bank of America Collection at Harvey B. Gantt Center, the California African American Museum, Triton Museum of Art Los Angeles and the Oakland Museum Of California.

Raymond Holbert creates mixed media artworks that combine drawing, collage, photography, illustration, and more. His subject matter ranges from a fascination with medicine, science and leisure, to current public dilemmas. Journaling is an important part of his everyday process. He sums it up as “I believe that art is a process that is not part time.” Holbert was born in Berkeley, California, and received a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. He taught art and design and is Professor Emeritus at City College of San Francisco (formerly San Francisco Community College). He is also a consultant of African American art and art history.

Pete "The Cat" Fitzsimmons is a native San Franciscan and the Founding Executive Director of the Jazz Heritage Center, once located in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. Peter is currently working as a documentarian and executive producer of the soon-to-be-released documentary, “San Francisco - 150 Years / If Jazz Could Talk.” He is also a working member of the Fillmore Jazz Ambassadors ( FJA), performing as their jazz historian.

The exhibition, Malik Seneferu: A Retrospective, is presented by the 31st annual AfroSolo Arts Festival.