K. Diane Morales
She/They
Austin, TX
"Diane" Morales is a queer Latinx artist from El Paso, Texas, and Mexico. A metalsmith and ceramicist, they explore political and social themes, focusing on women and minority rights. Their work bridges communication gaps and shares personal insight.
My artwork confronts the atrocities committed by ICE and those who enable them. Inspired by George Bibble's call for social realism, I believe artists must document and expose these injustices. My piece, "Standard Issue," is a provocative ball gag shaped like a boot with a Nazi swastika, symbolizing the silent complicity of ICE agents. The bright pink buckle ensures visibility, identifying them as oppressors. This work aims to spark dialogue and hold accountable those who perpetuate harm under the guise of "following orders."
@dianedreamdesigns
How does your creative practice reflect your experience of living and making as a BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ maker?
“I feel that the greatest reflection of my experience as a BIPOC and 2LGBTQIA+ is the view in which I assess politics for my art. I tend to look not only at the victims of political prejudice, but also at the proponents of it. As a minority, I've seen and experienced firsthand what can happen when people that society deems less than speak out. I realize the importance of not only shining light onto the effects of prejudice, but also the need to hold accountability to those that perpetuate it. However, I believe the fear they are hoping to inflict upon our communities is the exact reason we should embrace these topics. Not only for the change that can happen when we all speak together, but also to show and remind each other that we aren't alone, that someone sees them, that others know what they are going through, and how we will stand together. It's my belief and my hope that portraying these topics through my viewpoint will help usher in the change the world needs. Hopefully, one day soon.”
"Standard issue" Copper, body safe silicon, leather, stainless steel, enamel paint 24in length X 3in width 2026What techniques, stories, or materials have been passed down to you, and how are you reimagining them in the present?
“Much of my recent inspirations when it comes to political art come from 1940s cartoonist George Bibble, who sought to use combative art and social realism to portray the horrors and effects of fascism perpetrated by the nazis. Bibble himself depicted much of the war from a foot soldier's perspective, as well as covered the Nuremburg Trials that followed. At one time, he addressed many of the artists who were assigned to artistic depiction of the war, to depict and capture the feeling, as opposed to just focusing on the physical realism. As fascism rears its ugly head again, I found his choices of imagery and artistic expression incredibly appropriate for the given time. My art takes that inspiration and forces people to confront the problem; neo nazis and Christian nationalists have fetishized violence and fear for the gain of the powerful.”
How does your work honor those who came before you while forging new pathways for the future?
“Many who came before us faced violence, persecution, and discrimination for simply speaking out and in defense of their rights. My predecessors, both through lineage and through 2LGBTQIA+ have always put themselves at the forefront of societal change. I see no reason that I should be any different. I choose to honor those voices by continuing in their fight; by using the skills I've obtained to speak out and bring attention to these issues that continue to plague our communities. The fight has not changed. What has changed has been the methods through which we speak out, create community, and join together to resist.”
Photographs Courtesy of the Artist