For many years, I have been interested in the subject of identity and the fact that it is not a static state of being. My body of work is filtered through the lens of queer identity in which I examine issues relating to history, sexuality, philosophy, and biology as they are inscribed within historical and contemporary culture. Through my art, I attempt to subvert existing norms around aging, power, and the social relevance of lesbians. Primarily, I am a mixed media, collage artist that also works across different mediums.
bio
Jo Ann Block is a Southern California based mixed media artist investigating queer history, sexuality and identity as they are inscribed within historical and contemporary culture. She aims to subvert existing norms around aging, power, and the social relevance of lesbians. She received her B.F.A. from UCLA, and M.F.A. from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work is in the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (NY). She held a fellowship with Touchstone Gallery (DC), and two summer residencies at SVA in NY. Her work been exhibited at Leslie-Lohman Prince Street Gallery (NY), A.I.R. Gallery (NY), Williamsburg Art and Historical Center (NY), American University Museum (DC), Transformer Gallery (DC), Durden and Ray (LA), Launch LA, Metrospace (MI), Baum Gallery of Fine Art (AK), Thompson Gallery (MA).