Throughout Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency, fashion, costume, looks, poses and postures tell the story of queer appearance and community. Join curator and writer Paul Boyé and artist Lillian Colgan in conversation as they discuss how The ballad of sexual dependency offers an archive of moments that provide deeper insights into queer style and taste from a not-too-distant past marked by tragedy and liberation.
Paul Boyé is a curator and writer creating work that understands interiority, vibe and thinking. They are currently the Curator at Goolugatup Heathcote, and a Lecturer of Curatorial Studies and Art History at the University of Western Australia.
Lillian Colgan is an artist whose practice explores the way normative social power shapes embodiment. Lillian’s work considers how material play can be used to unpack feelings surrounding queer and trans identity. Drawing on their personal experiences, Lillian creates multidisciplinary installations that often involve sculpture, textiles, video, and sound. They have exhibited nationally and participated in creative projects with organisations including Artspace, PICA, Performance Space, and Parramatta Artist Studios.
Event Details
Wednesday 6 August 2025
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Free event, open to the public
Light refreshments provided
The JCG Lunchtime Talks is a mid-week series that invites speakers from diverse disciplines to share their research, practices, and perspectives in response to the gallery’s exhibition programming. These informal sessions offer a welcoming, collegial space to explore ideas, spark dialogue, and engage with the themes and questions shaping contemporary visual culture and artistic practice.
Image: Nan Goldin, Twisting at my birthday party, New York City, 1980, 1980, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2021 in celebration of the National Gallery of Australia’s 40th anniversary, 2022 © Nan Goldin.
