In this compelling episode of Sounds From the Studio, hosts Rachel and Kahmeela sit down with Erika Diamond, one of the featured artists in the "Self" exhibition at Contemporary Craft. This exhibition delves into societal expectations of gender, identity, and sexuality, and is a celebration of Pride Month.
Erika discusses her artistic journey, focusing on the materials she uses and the profound messages they convey. From bulletproof Kevlar vests designed to protect members of the queer community to mirrored vinyl quilts highlighting the struggles of LGBTQIA youth, her work is both thought-provoking and deeply personal. Erika shares the inspiration behind her pieces, including the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting and the alarming statistics about homeless queer youth.
The conversation also touches on Erika's unique approach to art, which often involves material exploration and the duality of strength and fragility. As always, the episode concludes with Erika sharing three songs that describe her work, adding to the ever-growing Sounds From the Studio playlist on Spotify.
Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio