Roski Talks
About Roski Talks
The USC Roski School’s weekly Roski Talks lecture series features thought-provoking public presentations by prominent visual artists, design icons, scholars, performance visionaries, architects and other newsmakers throughout the academic year. These events are wildly popular among Roski people and are often attended by the public.
Roski Talks are presented in an intimate environment, and the casual format allows audience participation and dialogue. The series’ enlightening conversations end in group discussions and Q&As.
When and Where
Roski Talks take place on most Tuesday evenings beginning at 7pm and are free and open to the public, although reservations are required.
Talks are presented, unless otherwise noted, at the Roski Graduate Building in the L.A. Arts District at 1262 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles.
Upcoming Talks
Past Talks
Roski Talks’ past guests have included artist Andrea Bowers, designer Karin Fong, cultural historian Robeson Taj Frazier, artist Theaster Gates, designer Rick Griffith, artist Senga Nengudi, curator Pablo José Ramírez, and curator and artist Legacy Russell. Below, look at videos of a selection of conversations.
Roman Ley
This designer and branding specialist currently works at Google, where he leads the packaging creative team.
Toni Smalls
Smalls, a queer Black image-based artist and spoken word poet, employs themes of primal emotion quintessential to human experience in their work.
Carolina Caycedo
Colombia-born multidisciplinary artist Caycedo creates immense geographic photographs, lively artist’s books, hanging sculptures, performances, films and installations.
Grad Student Discussion Series
The USC Visiting Artist and Scholar Seminar, known as VASS, is linked to Roski Talks and creates an intimate context for group discussion. First-year MFA and MA students may attend closed-session seminars with visitors and USC Roski faculty before or after a Roski Talk for an intensive dialogue on issues posed by the lecture and assigned readings.
More to Explore
You’ll find other opportunities to get immersed in art and design at the USC Roski School and across the USC campus.