The National Art School (NAS) is set to celebrate queerness in all its kaleidoscopic glory with the opening of Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy, a bold new exhibition presented in partnership with the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Rainbow Precinct, this must-see exhibition runs from 14 February to 8 March 2025 at NAS Building 25 Project Space, showcasing the intersection of art, activism, poetry, and performance through the lens of three generations of queer artists.
A Celebration of Queer Voices
Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy shines a spotlight on both emerging and established voices, weaving a rich tapestry of work that spans sculpture, installation, textile, stencilling, and text-based art. Featuring Daniel Browning, Blake Griffiths, Victoria Spence, and Swamp Daisies, the exhibition places these acclaimed names alongside exciting new talents like Sam Chan, Kika Kereru Baker, Frankie L.A, nikita lelu, Jake Starr, and Magic Young. Additionally, the exhibition honours existing pieces by celebrated artists Justine Youssef, Ali Tahayori, and r e a, adding depth to this cross-generational dialogue.
The works are united by their exploration of the queer experience and its many shades—struggle, joy, and resistance. By using language as a medium, several artworks disrupt histories of silence and oppression while celebrating the power of queer vernacular as a form of activism. Themes of violence, resistance, and identity resonate throughout, igniting powerful conversations about the intersections of politics, culture, and creativity.
Language, Activism, and Art
Curated by Liz Bradshaw, the exhibition is as much a queering of language as it is a reimagining of violence and freedom. “The artists have tackled ambitious and often provocative themes that engage with systemic challenges while boldly reclaiming space for queer voices. The resulting works are diverse, complex, and utterly captivating,” says Bradshaw.
Through poetry as protest and material as metaphor, the exhibition becomes a celebration not just of artistry, but of activism—a testament to the countless ways queer communities have fought, and continue to fight, for recognition and representation.
Subtexts at the NAS Library Stairwell Gallery
The celebration isn’t confined to one space. At the NAS Library Stairwell Gallery, the complementary program Subtexts offers a presentation by 2024 NAS graduates Charlie Tiffin, Sarah R. Serfati, Theo Lathouras, and Ziggy Wood. Their works deepen the conversation, drawing from personal connections to queerness and challenging notions of uniformity within the LGBTQIA+ experience.
Continuing a Proud Legacy
This is far from the National Art School’s first Mardi Gras rodeo. Since 2018, NAS has been a vital partner in the annual celebration of love, identity, and pride. From the acclaimed Museum of Love & Protest in 2018 to its contributions to the Sydney WorldPride programming in 2023, NAS has proven itself a beacon for Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Simon Cooper, Interim Director and CEO of NAS, expresses his excitement for the exhibition’s launch. “This is a moment to celebrate. It’s both a continuation of our long-standing relationship with Sydney Mardi Gras and an opportunity to elevate powerful queer voices across multiple generations. Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy honours history and creativity while remaining deeply rooted in NAS’s commitment to inclusion and art as activism.”
A Must-See Celebration
Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to connect with the instabilities, fluidity, and strength found within queer art and identity. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, an advocate for social change, or you simply love being swept away by creativity, this exhibition offers moments of reflection, beauty, and empowerment.
Mark your calendars for this landmark cultural experience, part of the dazzling 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and prepare yourself to be challenged and inspired.
Exhibition Dates
14 February – 8 March 2025
Location
NAS Building 25 Project Space, National Art School, Sydney
Admission is free, and the conversation is priceless.