Jarah Moesh

Ph.D. Candidate, Department of American Studies, University of Maryland  

Jarah Moesch is an experimental artist-scholar who explores (computer) code, networks, and protocols through a queer analytic to re-think issues of power and control within designed systems. Jarah’s current research considers the role of the queer sick body within and through current and near-future technologies to re-think and redefine the process and role of design in techno-material systems. Though the work is primarily in the ‘digital’ realm, the practices easily expand into other designed spaces and systems. Jarah’s artwork ranges from traditional forms of art to contemporary new media practices such as iPhone apps, and other screen-based work, video installation and tactical social interventions. This multi-modal work unpacks normativities relating to the apparatus of knowledge around bodies, genders, and sexualities in order to explode ‘accepted’ social customs through the performance of everyday life.  Jarah’s artwork has been shown internationally. Jarah holds an MFA in Integrated Media Art from Hunter College, and is currently a doctoral student in American Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. Jarah is also a HASTAC Scholar and sometimes blogger. Jarah is also affiliated with Digital Cultures and Creativity, a Living-Learning Honors program at UMD.