Latasha N. Nevada Diggs : disappearing acts

Latasha N. Nevada Diggs is a writer, vocalist, and sound artist, as well as the author of TwERK (Belladonna, 2013), a collection of poems, songs, and myths. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Rattapallax, Nocturnes, Spoken Word Revolution Redux, Ploughshares, Mandorla, P.M.S., jubilat, Everything But the Burden, ART21 Magazine, Palabra, and Fence. The 8th Floor, founded in 2010 by Shelley and Donald Rubin, is an exhibition and performance space that promotes independent artistic and cultural initiatives. Inspired by The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, the gallery is committed to broadening the access and availability of art to New York audiences. Seeking further cultural exchange, The 8th Floor explores the potential of art as an instrument for social change in the 21st century, through an annual program of innovative contemporary art exhibitions and an events program comprised of performances, salon-style discussions, and those organized by external partners.

Latasha N. Nevada Diggs performs a series of poems with a drummer, blending the spoken word with song. Diggs employs multiple languages, referencing song lyrics and found texts, all of which are centered around female bodies, specifically how society enables disposability of bodies through aging. This is especially evident in the treatment of Black and brown women. Despite the widespread nature of the ageism and disposability, LaTasha often aproaches the topics in a humorous manner. She also uses electronic effects to manipulate her voice, looping and distorting while navigating between spoken word and musical improvisation with constant drum accompaniment.