Jah Beverly
LateBloomer, 2023
Oil on canvas
40 x 30"

About the work

Through eroticism and self-expression, my works redefine masculinity through my lens as a Black Trans man. These works challenge the constructs of gender and race to reconstruct the binaries of identity. The erotic undertones reflect my passion for using the freedom of choice to validate our autonomy.

My work aims to create space from traditional gender roles by centering Black Feminine Trans Masc bodies through color and contrasting compositional elements. My large-scale oil paintings juxtapose vibrant portraiture and figuration with one-dimensional backgrounds to symbolize how transness is unbound by oppressive binaries. Through a strong understanding of color, figuration, and space, I bring black skin tones to life while highlighting stories of strength and resilience through body language and gaze.

Through my work, I harvest dreams of trans liberation and invite viewers to access the potency that exists beyond societal binaries. Transgender Erasure has been an unpalatable by-product of the rise in anti-trans legislation. My artwork showcases the power and beauty of my community members while giving them a platform to be seen and celebrated.

Bio

Jah is a queer self-taught artist from North Carolina based in Philadelphia, P.A. His work centers intimacy, identity, and self-expression in large-scale figurative oil paintings. Jah developed a passion for painting to express themselves after studying Graphic Design at North Carolina A&T. During his time in Greensboro, he received accolades from his creative community. Jah has continued to develop his career in Philadelphia through collaborations with Mural Arts, Davinci Art Alliance, and InLiquid Gallery.

Through murals, paintings, and mixed-media works, Jah has explored the intersectional experience of being black and trans. Influenced by dreams, death, love, sex and gender, Jah creates bold and expressive artwork. Jah seeks to honor the lives, rights, and visibility of black queer folks.

JahBeverly.com
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