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 Los Angeles, CA 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 collection of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art. She held a fellowship with Touchstone Gallery (DC), and two summer residencies at SVA in NY. Her work has been exhibited at A.I.R. Gallery (NY), American University Museum (DC), Transformer Gallery (DC) Williamsburg Art and Historical Center (NY) Metrospace (MI), Baum Gallery of Fine Art (AK), Thompson Gallery (MA) and Launch LA (CA).