Mark Cagaanan Aguhar

Mark was born in Houston, TX on May 16, 1987. He lived in the Houston area for most of his life, and graduated from Bellaire High School in 2005. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he received three degrees in 2009: a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, a Bachelor of Arts in Art with Honors, and a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors. After college, he lived in Houston for a year and worked at the Menil. He went on to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Studio Arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he was due to graduate in May 2012.

Mark was a talented artist who described his work as a “continuous exploration of queer expression and what it means to have grown up gay on the internet.” While his work included more traditional media, he also incorporated textiles, sculpture, installation, and performance in his art. His work has been exhibited regionally in Texas, including at the Lawndale Art Center in Houston. In 2010, he was selected as one of the winners for the annual Western Competition of New American Paintings magazine (Edition #90). Most recently his work showcased during the UIC MFA Fall 2011 Final Critiques.

Even as a child, Mark was known and loved for his irrepressible personality and infectious laugh. As he matured, Mark explored his identity in his art, his writing, and his life, which he lived openly and unapologetically. In Chicago, he was deeply involved in the art community and the queer community, and his active online presence led him to form friendships around the country.

Mark passed away on March 12, 2012. Throughout his life, Mark remained close to his family. He was preceded in death by his sister Christine, who passed away on June 8, 2011. He is survived by his parents, Leonora and Marino, and his brother Michael. He remains beloved by his extended family and friends, who remember his warmth, kindness, and inner strength.

Much of Mark’s art can be viewed at markaguhar.com.

His blog can be read at calloutqueen.tumblr.com.