Exploring the concept of hidden Queer symbolism, Sydney artist Guy James Whitworth presents Clearly Queerly Coded, a solo exhibition, at M2 Gallery from 30 July – 5 August 2025.
It is fair to say that artist Guy James Whitworth is a bold, leading force on Sydney’s Queer Art scene, this latest will be his tenth solo exhibition in Sydney.
Since arriving here from the UK almost thirty years ago, Whitworth has set about making a name for himself in both the art and literary worlds (he has three books already published, with a fourth on the way).
Nevertheless, he is mostly known for his daringly unapologetic, often nude, portraits of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ communities which are deliberate in their agenda for promoting Queer individuality and visibility.
But it seems no nudes is good news as, at first glance, this latest exhibition is made up mostly of elegant florals and refined landscapes. On closer inspection however, the exhibition still explores Queer themes of subtleties and structured informative undertones.
Is this a softening of his aesthetic or a conscious shift in his agenda? The artist offers some explanation for this new direction, “A few months ago I sold a couple of works to a very well-known Australian institution, they requested to see works that were “subtly Queer coded” – specifically works that would be Queer enough to remind LGBTQIA+ folks of the open, accepting sensibilities of the organisation, but yet not too obviously Queer as to alarm or offend the straight patrons of that same organisation,” said Whitworth.
“It’s worrying but in the current world, anything too defiantly LGBTQIA+ in essence or aesthetic can be attacked, withdrawn or hidden from public view, so Queer artists need to become slightly sneakier with how we visually code our work to keep it out there. I’m proud of being an artist whose work would be burnt or banned by the right wing, yet as an artist I still want the message of my work to get out into the world!”
“This exhibition is as politically driven and designed as my previous shows, the message of celebrating LGBTQIA+ strength and power is still very omni-present, to those who know what they are seeing, but Queerdom is represented by, for example, colours of the progress/rainbow flag entwined into the textures and tones of certain pieces.”
“I still believe that defiance is essential when creating art, yet equally, so is resourcefulness if it helps spread Queer love and representation out into the world,” said Whitworth.
Clearly Queerly Coded
M2 Gallery, 4/450 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Exhibition: 30 July – 5 August 2025
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.m2gallery.com.au or www.guyjameswhitworth.com for details.
Images: Guy James Whitworth (supplied)