Jeremy Smith
‘Gaybourhood Bubbles of Sydney’ 2023 - 2025. Pen on paper, 110cm x 224cm.
Artist statement
Gaybourhood Bubbles of Sydney is a counter-map of the city’s two dominant queer enclaves. Drawing on the form of 17th-century double-hemisphere maps, it casts the inner east as the “old world” gaybourhood and the inner west as the “new world.”
Anchored by Taylor Square’s historic Pride Flag and Newtown’s new Pride Square, its 3km bubbles radiate outward. Informed by census data, oral histories, and community feedback, the work shows how neighbourhoods generate distinct queer cultures, bodies, and politics.
Through slang, symbols, and queer landmarks, Sydney is re-mapped through queer eyes, revealing a parallel city beneath the familiar one.
Photograph: Anna Kucera
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.
