The Goal of Queer Space is Orgasm, 2024, by Lawler is a powerful exploration of cruising spaces. Cruising spaces are areas where members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly men who have sex with other men, engage in anonymous and casual sexual encounters. This project delves into these unique landscapes these acts are carried out in, exploring the social and spatial characteristics that influence the evolution of these spaces.
What draws individuals to these spaces? How do the characteristics of these environments shape the experiences and identities of those who frequent them? And perhaps more crucially, what do these spaces reveal about broader societal attitudes towards sexuality, intimacy, and urban life?
Different patterns begin to emerge in the landscapes that influence the act of cruising. A common theme in Lawler’s practice is to capture evidence of social engagement, examining what is left behind. Using the artifacts and topography of these cruising spaces to reconstruct narratives of chance encounters and intimate moments.
This work invites the audience into a hidden world through a series of photographic images and single channel video. Lawler’s mediums call the viewer to immerse themselves in these places and to contemplate on the hidden “spaces” that occupy our world. The Goal of Queer Space is Orgasm not only sheds light on the physicality of cruising spaces but also underscores their cultural and historical importance within LGBTQ+ communities, prompting a deeper exploration of identity, intimacy, and the urban experience.
This project was undertaken in Sevilla, Spain during a three month artistic residency support by Capacity Ireland, Carlow County Council Arts office and co funded by Creative Europe and the European Union. This project was exhibited in the Antiquarium Sevilla with 11 other artists as part of The Breaking the Patterns programme from the European Union.
What draws individuals to these spaces? How do the characteristics of these environments shape the experiences and identities of those who frequent them? And perhaps more crucially, what do these spaces reveal about broader societal attitudes towards sexuality, intimacy, and urban life?
Different patterns begin to emerge in the landscapes that influence the act of cruising. A common theme in Lawler’s practice is to capture evidence of social engagement, examining what is left behind. Using the artifacts and topography of these cruising spaces to reconstruct narratives of chance encounters and intimate moments.
This work invites the audience into a hidden world through a series of photographic images and single channel video. Lawler’s mediums call the viewer to immerse themselves in these places and to contemplate on the hidden “spaces” that occupy our world. The Goal of Queer Space is Orgasm not only sheds light on the physicality of cruising spaces but also underscores their cultural and historical importance within LGBTQ+ communities, prompting a deeper exploration of identity, intimacy, and the urban experience.
This project was undertaken in Sevilla, Spain during a three month artistic residency support by Capacity Ireland, Carlow County Council Arts office and co funded by Creative Europe and the European Union. This project was exhibited in the Antiquarium Sevilla with 11 other artists as part of The Breaking the Patterns programme from the European Union.