Jeremy Smith, ‘Gay Man Map’ 2021, ink pen on paper, (digital print copy of original). 134cm by 88cm. Image courtesy: the artist.

Artist statement

This large-scale drawing is a map of the psychological world of gay men as an imagined island. Using Alan Downs seminal work ‘Velvet Rage’ together with word-plays, metaphors and icons I playfully map the complexes, dreams, fears, neuroses of gay men through 3 life stages: coming out, seeking validation and the quest of authenticity. Created over a year, the original was purchased by the State Library of NSW LGBTQI+ archive in April 2022. 

Follow Jeremy on Instagram @jeremywsmithart or visit their website www.jeremywsmithart.com