Invert by J Taran Diamond

We are pleased to present this thought provoking work by artist J Taran Diamond. Invert is a group of work exploring identity. Invert will be on display from March 8th, to April 27th 2024.

Artist Statement:

In my work, I am interested in mapping my identity and experiences as a queer person onto material objects. I think of the materials that I work with as bodies or actors, and through the application of layered surface treatments, I am able to make those materials perform identities. I manipulate the surface of jewelry objects and conflate the qualities of preciousness and commonness in ways that force materials like silver, gold, and pearls to imitate their own appearances and value. In doing this, I aim to investigate and challenge the meaning of authenticity, legitimacy, and belonging.

The term “invert” stems from the now-discredited theory of sexual inversion and refers to queer individuals. The theory posited that all human beings had inborn gendered traits or natures, and queerness was the result of those traits’ reversal. To be inverted can suggest not only a state of reversal, but to be turned inside out. A fake pearl is a plastic bead imitating a genuine pearl, and that fake pearl has been turned inside out such that genuine pearls imitate plastic beads.

Artist Bio:

J Taran Diamond is a metalsmith and craft educator based in Baltimore, Maryland. Diamond holds an MFA from the University of Georgia, in addition to a BFA from the University of North Texas. Diamond’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at New York City Jewelry Week, the Czong institute of Contemporary Art in Gimpo, South Korea, and the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Diamond has also completed residencies at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and the Baltimore Jewelry Center, where they are currently a Teaching Fellow. Outside of the studio, Diamond is an advocate for black people in the fields of craft and academia, and works to help achieve equity and accessibility within those fields.

Join us for the Invert closing reception!

Friday, April 26th.

5 pm to 7 pm

Imposter I

freshwater pearls, 24K gold-plated brass, 24K gold-plated sterling silver, powder coat, silk

12.75" x 5" x 1.25", 25" long

J Taran Diamond