“…The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom...”
Maya Angelo, 1983.
Apollo's Belt, Tom Summers. Curtesy Gallery LNL
Master of Art Curating student Samantha Lawrence curates show at Gallery LNL, Newtown: LIBRE, the art of being
Text by Samantha Lawrence
My first curated exhibition - LIBRE, the art of being opened Friday 14 February 2025. The exhibition runs for five weeks from 14 February until 22 March and takes place during this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) festival.
The exhibition celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of our artists and the LGBTQIA+ communities and my inspiration for curating the show was SGLMG’s festival theme – ‘Free to be’. My approach was to collaborate with the gallery and artists to create a show that explores and amplifies artistic freedom, self expression and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
My curatorial focus was to highlight the richness of LGBTQIA+ identities and a community that is proud, strong and visible. The group show features 16 international and Australian artists who have all approached the idea of what is feels to be free in their own way. Their work honours the past, challenges stereotypes and cultural norms, seeks to claim back language, explores the physicality of the body as well as their deepest thoughts.
Image curtesy gallery LNL
The art in the show spans across various mediums and forms, with clay being a central focus. Clay has enabled the sharing of knowledge over many generations, bringing people together and breaking barriers. The power of art has been front and centre of the Pride movement, whether in protest or to celebrate. The exhibition continues this dialogue by encouraging discussion, challenging our views of the world and celebrating the right of expression.
Image curtesy Gallery LNL
As my curatorial debut, I couldn’t image a more emotive and fitting opportunity as it brings together my personal identity and passion for the arts, my experience and the new knowledge I am learning as I undertake the Master of Art Curating. Working with the gallery director and team, liaising with multiple artists, planning the exhibition, problem solving challenges and bringing to life my ideas has made me hungry for more. I’m excited more than ever for a career in the GLAM sector.
LIBRE, the art of being
14 February to 22 March 2025
Gallery LNL, 49-51 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042
10-6pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Artist talks:
8 March – Christine Dean
22 March - Jayanto Tan and Janice Raynor
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