CSUDH Presents “& Still We Bloom,” an Exhibition by Contemporary Visual Artist Cristina Martinez

“& Still We Bloom” is a celebration of resilience, inviting everyone to take joy from the many seasons of life.

What:        “& Still We Bloom,” an exhibition of work by contemporary visual artist Cristina Martinez
When:        December 11, 2023 – May 17, 2024, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and by appointment Tuesday-Thursday 5-7 p.m.
Where:      CSUDH University Library Multicultural Art Gallery, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson. View campus map and directions here [PDF].
Contact:     University Library, (310) 243-3700

The Office of the President, in conjunction with the University Library, proudly presents “& Still We Bloom,” an exhibition of works by Presidential Artist-in-Residence Cristina Martinez.

Martinez’ work is rooted in the richness of her Black and Mexican heritage and the strong women in her bloodline. Her body of work highlights the dynamic, resilient and often-overlooked stories of Black and Brown people that are waiting to be unearthed, shared, and cemented in history.

“& Still We Bloom” is a testament to this vision. Featuring 10 original works of art as well as the artist’s viral “Water Me” series, Martinez’ latest solo exhibition depicts how Black and Brown people around the world continue to bloom despite the visible and invisible challenges and inequity they face.

“‘& Still We Bloom’ is an opportunity to showcase and acknowledge our resilience,” Martinez said. “We enter rooms as our full selves and fill others with joy and peace and love in spite of our hardships. I invite everyone to explore our stories and celebrate the many seasons of life.”

“Cristina Martinez’ art reflects the joy, resilience, determination, and hope we strive to nurture within our students and broader community,” said CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham. “She imbues her subjects with the complexity and compassion too often missing from portrayals of people of color. We are honored to have her as our Presidential Artist-in-Residence, and look forward to engaging with her on our campus.”

President Parham established the Presidential Artist-in-Residence in 2020 to highlight the intersection of art, the history of the Africa diaspora, and the artistic expressions of people of color. The goal of the series is to demonstrate the empowering and transformative essence that these creative expressions can have for students and members of the community.

Viewing hours for “& Still We Bloom” are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (310) 243-3700.

The Multicultural Art Gallery is located on the fifth floor of the University Library at CSUDH, 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. For a map and directions, visit csudh.edu/directions.