To be held during the Mardi Gras/World Pride season, artist and author, Guy James Whitworth explores the concept of Pride and the evolution of LGBTQI+ communities and their standing in the world in his latest solo show.

The exhibition is a mix of the bold, colourful portraiture that Whitworth is already renowned for and a showcase for his newer ventures into neo-classical, abstract landscapes. This is Whitworth’s eighth Sydney solo show, with previous exhibitions having drawn enthusiastic praise from both media and buyers.

However, as the title suggests, the show is not just a joyous celebration of all things LGBTQIA+ but examines the political and environmental considerations of Queerdom and how pride, if not balanced with compassion and consideration for others, can become a part of a much larger problem.

“I love that we have Mardi Gras and World Pride” says the artist “but I’d love it even more if we also had World Compassion and World Kindness festivals too! We need to end discrimination in all its forms and IF that’s made possible by bringing everyone together on a dance floor for a giant group hug, count me in! There are certainly so many positives to having a World Pride, but as the title of this exhibition suggests the show is about reminding us all not to lose track of what else is currently happening in the world. Experts now believe we're in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, we can’t just party-away scientific concerns about that! Along with banishing homophobia lets also compassionately embrace environmental awareness and activism!”

Whitworth is as deft with a pen as he is with a brush and has published two books with a third in the wings. Signs of A Struggle (2019) and Enough of Your Nonsense (2021) reveal Whitworth’s knack for good, riveting storytelling. Sharing - sometimes with alarming candour - personal anecdotes, sardonic observations, and the inner workings of his creative mind, Whitworth is as warm, funny, and unbridled in his writing as he is in his painting. As an avowed vegan, Whitworth along with his partner founded the global No Meat May campaign, challenging people to eat a plant-based diet for the month of May.

Deftly employing both a social commentary and traditional expertise in his work, Whitworth is actively engaged in environmental and social issues and is a well-recognised figure in the LGBTQI+ community.

Open from Midday to 6pm daily

(closed Saturday 25th)