The expectations of gender, and how those expectations impact each of us, will be explored in Contemporary Craft’s upcoming exhibition, Self, opening Friday, April 14, 2023. The exhibition highlights the work of artists matt lambert and Erika Diamond, who explore the breadth and confines of gender identity, connection, contact, and the body through works of art.
Self will feature more than 25 works, which include large-scale prints, jewelry, garments, and other types of adornment. matt’s work presents objects that create space for the viewer to question positionality, fixedness, and chimerism that goes beyond binary thinking. Erika’s work is an ongoing series of fashionable safety vests created with bullet-proof Kevlar material, rooted in a desire to promote awareness about the safety of the LGBTQ community, recognizing the need for all people to feel safe while expressing their individuality.
“Gender is a construct and yet it defines many elements of our individual and collective lives. Because we believe in the power of art to transform lives at Contemporary Craft, it’s our hope that this exhibition will encourage dialogue around this important and culturally relevant topic,” said CC Executive Director Rachel Saul Rearick. “It’s been an honor to work with Erika and matt, as each of their artist practices challenges notions of gender with breadth and sophistication.
German-born and the daughter of two ballet dancers, Erika Diamond is a textile-focused visual artist, curator, and educator. She received a BFA in Sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Fiber from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and her costumes have been commissioned by Charlotte Ballet.
matt lambert is a non-binary, trans, multidisciplinary collaborator and co-conspirator working towards equity, inclusion, and reparation. They are a founder and facilitator of The Fulcrum Project and currently are a PhD student between Konstfack and University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
lambert currently is based in Stockholm, Sweden and was born in Detroit, MI, US where they still maintain a studio. They have exhibited work nationally and internationally.
More information on the exhibit can be found on ContemporaryCraft.org
Opening Reception
Friday, April 14, 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public.
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Rafiki (2018): May 12, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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