University of Washington
Specialisms: Ceramics / Sculpture / Fine Art
Location: Baltimore, United States
First Name: Jai
Last Name: Sallay-Carrington
Specialisms: Ceramics / Sculpture / Fine Art
Sectors:
My Location: Baltimore, United States
University / College: University of Washington
Course / Program Title: 3D4M MFA
Jai Sallay-Carrington is a figurative ceramic sculptor creating works about human identities, behaviour and emotions using anthropomorphic creatures. Reflecting on their queer and trans-non-binary gender identity, Jai creates sculptures which challenge and analyze the dominant heteronormative and cisgendered society and promote those identities which exist outside of those norms . They question the role that gender, sexuality and desire have in forming an individual’s character and placement within their culture. Jai’s sculptures speak to a feeling of otherness, but not necessarily of physical traits that can be immediately viewed by the public. These identities exist within, they are either shared or kept a secret. The zoomorphic qualities of their sculptures shed light on those human characteristics hidden from the naked eye. As each animal comes with its own unique qualities, as well as the myths and stories associated with them, when anthropomorphized, their addition to the human form creates a deeper understanding of that individual’s personality and experiences. Jai’s sculptures work to normalize and celebrate those LGBTQIA+ individuals who do not fit into those strict societal norms which aim to exclude and demonize them.
Communicated through clay, a material which expresses the malleability of the body and the self, the sculptures of 'Post Tomboy' showcase the complicated journey of understanding a gender and sexuality which exists outside of cultural norms. Portrayed as animal-human hybrids, these figures speak about queer experiences and deconstruct the notions of gender to find a place where trans and non-binary identities exist. As each animal comes with their own physical qualities and mythological associations, these figures shed light on a human characteristic or feeling which is invisible to the naked eye. Queerness and gender identities outside of the binary can be isolating when existing in a heteronormative society. By sharing my personal journey, my work normalizes and celebrate these forms of identities.