Joan Cox

Lives and works in Baltimore, MD, USA

Artist statement

Joan Cox, has dedicated her artwork to shedding light on the intimate relationships between women. Born in 1969, and coming of age in the vibrant era of the 1980s, Joan's journey as an artist and as a lesbian has been a testament to self-discovery, empowerment, and the transformative power of art. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Cox navigated her formative years during a time when LGBTQ+ identities were often marginalized and silenced. As a closeted lesbian, she concealed her true self, grappling with the fear of societal judgment and rejection. Despite these challenges, Joan's innate artistic talent and passion for creative expression provided her solace and an avenue for self-reflection. Joan pursued her artistic education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Towson University. During this time, she explored various mediums, including painting, photography, graphic design, and writing. While her work showcased technical skill and emotional depth, it was not until later in her life that she found the courage to openly express her own LGBTQ+ identity through her art. It was at the age of 25 that Joan finally came out, embracing her true self and finding liberation from the constraints of hiding her sexuality. But it took many years of growth, exploration and reflection on her experiences as a lesbian woman, the struggles faced by her community, before she began to depict her own identity in her work. With her newfound authenticity, Cox embarked on a mission to...

Artwork