As visitors step into the Bowery Gallery in St Albans, they will be welcomed to a tender exploration of identity, intimacy, and vulnerability as part of a fresh, and playful exhibition.
Created by local artist and educator Nathan McGlynn, ‘Darling Boy’ is a familiar and intimate collection of works centred around its primary protagonist.
“Darling Boy is the main recurring character in my work … [the] figure often reinterprets traditional heterosexual imagery from a queer perspective, with a focus on celebrating human connection,” McGlynn said.
“‘Darling” implies warmth and closeness, while “Boy” both nods to traditional gender roles and invites a space to challenge and expand upon them.
“Through Darling Boy, I aim to create a figure who embodies the subtleties of queerness, offering a space to reflect on both personal and shared experiences of identity.”
McGlynn said the exhibition is retrospective, showcasing both his own pieces and large collaborative paintings.
“Many of the works feature people from my community – my friends often serve as the muses in these paintings,” he said.
Having his work on display for Brimbank residents to enjoy, has left r McGlynn feeling “absolutely thrilled and honoured”.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my art will be seen by such a diverse audience,” he said.
“It’s also exciting to bring queer art into public spaces, where it can challenge perceptions and spark important conversations about identity.”
Darling Boy will be up on display at the gallery until April 5.
Prealene Khera
