Eric Fischl is the commencement speaker for the 2013 CalArts Graduation ceremony. | Image: Fischl’s memoir, ‘Bad Boy.’
Renowned painter, sculptor and printmaker Eric Fischl returns to CalArts today (May 17) as the commencement speaker for the Institute’s 2013 graduation ceremony. Fischl, who earned a BFA in Art from CalArts in 1972, receives an honorary Doctor of Arts degree for his originality, creativity and dedication to the art of painting, as well as his commitment to the social good.
Fischl studied at CalArts when the contemporary art scene was trending toward minimal and conceptual art. He became a champion of figurative painting and conquered the New York art world in the 1980s. His works have been the subject of numerous solo and major group exhibitions and represented in many museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Museum of Modem Art in New York City, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, St. Louis Art Museum, Louisiana Museum of Art in Denmark, and the Musee Beaubourg in Paris.
Fischl’s recently published memoir Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas describes his coming of age as an artist, including his time at CalArts, and his life and art experiences in the fast-paced New York scene.
CalArts graduation ceremony begins at 6 pm tonight, and 24700 will be reporting from the festivities, including Fischl’s address to the community of artists and their families. Join us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook throughout the day for updates. If you’d like to join in the conversation, use the hashtag #calartsgraduation.
CalArts Graduation 2013 Schedule of Events
- 4 pm: CalArts Balinese Gamelan
Burat Wangi (Fragrant Offering), directed by I. Nyoman Wenton and dance director Nanik Wenten
- 6 pm: CalArts African Music and Dance Ensemble
Co-directors Andrew Grueschow and Yeko Ladzepko, lead the procession of graduating students
- 9 pm: Reception
In the Cafe and Main Gallery for graduates, families and guests
- 10 pm: Performance by the CalArts Salsa Band
Directed by David Roitstein in the Main Gallery