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

Acknowledgement of Country

UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.

We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.