Kristin "Diane" Morales
she/they
Austin, Texas, USA
Kristin "Diane" Morales is a queer and Latin artist originating from El Paso, Texas, as well as having lived in Mexico for much of their life. They received their degree as a metalsmith and ceramicist from the University of Texas at El Paso, where they began exploring political and social themes in their art. They consider themselves an activist who focuses on women's and minority rights, particularly in bridging the gap in communication between certain issues and their impact. They also explore the Latin experience and struggle as told through their own personal accounts and obstacles.
“In 1973, Texas created 42.23(f) the Texas obscenity statute against the “interest of the public well-being. This made it illegal to own more than six sex toys. The artist wanted to depict the hypocrisy of frivolous laws by pairing these ideas with the cold heaviness of the miniature metal guns. The seven gun pins are modeled after the seven most deadly mass shootings in Texas, prompting us to ask what the best interest of the public really is. May we remember individual lives that were extinguished in Sutherland Springs, Killeen, El Paso, Uvalde, Austin, Fort Hood, and Allen, Texas.”
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“The 42.23(f) Texas obscenity statute I believe, was created as an anti-gay legislation, controlling what they see as lewd or obscene. The fact that there's legislation written over something so frivolous, but none about gun ownership, is beyond monstrous in my mind. I believe we should bring these dark topics to light by planting seeds of conversation to encourage, not only learning about laws and statutes that are against our community, but also as a way of resistance by bringing them to attention. The Texas government has been oppressive to the Queer community, and it's only getting worse. They are literally trying to take pleasure out of our lives but do nothing to protect the public, especially those who identify as LGBTQ. With these pins, I've been able to create a light enough conversation starter to talk about these worsening topics. Through these, I've been able to help awareness grow and flourish within my own community."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
"HELL BENT", "Champlevé enamel on oxidized copper, brass findings, silver rivets, 4.5” x 3.5”, 2024"How does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“My practice has allowed me to flourish by having something I can create and wear that could incite a conversation for those who might be a little bit hesitant to talk about “lewd” or taboo topics. The pieces I create give people the opportunity to grow and learn not only about the government but also how the government uses smokescreens to get what they want while they conveniently try to control others. These pieces are not only cathartic but also inspire me to research other possible dog whistles that we can see and expect from the government. This helps not only to deepen my understanding of the tactics of the political legal system, but also to make clear the intentions of that same legal system in its respect to consequences and precedents that follow. I believe that we need to be more aware of those consequences, especially when it comes to marginalized communities.”
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“To be accurate, I researched each of the seven most deadly mass shootings in Texas as well as the obscenity penal codes. Considering that most of these gunmen had more than six guns on their person while carrying out these tragedies, with thousands dying every year in Texas ever since the first mass shooting in Austin in 1966, there has been little to no legislation on gun control. However, they believed in 1973 that policing the pleasures of the LGBTQ community was more important than protecting the public. It is with this information that I began sculpting and casting the same model weapons used in these shootings and paired them with the silicone castings of dildos to create a symbolic dialogue. One that reveals the fallacy of the situation, with seven guns and seven dildos, the collection could be considered illegal, but not due to the guns.”
“As a queer artist living in Texas, I believe I need to be the change I want to see. I don’t want us to have to hide. I believe we must stand even taller than before to show not only do we exist, but also to be a sign to others that they are not alone. These are the times we must work and band together! This is the time we must remember our queer history and plant our flag of rebellion so that we can make it safer for our community and hopefully find equality and peace.”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
