Displays of Affection

Kink meets Couture

Obsessed with rope as a medium to explore tensions and connectivity, artist Luke George has designed and handcrafted a stunning garment that binds itself to a person, and people to each other. The function and craft of macramé intersects with the aesthetics and dynamics of rope bondage. A kind of hard-soft.

Exploring the potential for different types of masculinities through the qualities of beauty, intimacy, connection and care, this hybrid exhibition of installation and photography spotlights an haute couture rope bondage gown, worthy of any Met Gala red carpet.

Explore the exhibition of Luke's newest installation piece in Temperance Hall's gallery space, or join the Opening Night via our online event here

For the Displays of Affection series, the attention is focused on the perspective of the sub/ject (‘bottom’) and their gaze back at the viewer. Luke’s role and responsibility as artist (‘Rigger’), is to collaborate with his sub/ject, supporting and sustaining them, seeing to their needs and desires, as well as his own.

3rd in the series, Luke has previously created 2 installation pieces for the Company of Men Exhibitions - a macramé sex-sling (Tacit Galleries Collingwood, Midsumma Festival 2018) in which the gallery spectator can climb in and comfortably spend time. And, an un-potted plant, tied and suspended in rope bondage (Club80 Collingwood, Midsumma Festival 2020).

A highly awarded and commissioned artist (2019 Venice Biennale, 2019 Dance Massive, 2019 Australia Council Fellow, 2020 Green Rooms Award), Luke George creates new performance and visual work that engages daring and at times, unorthodox methods to examine the dynamics of intimacy and collectivity, creating ‘safe spaces’ that allow for care as well as risk. Luke’s sensitivity towards the positions of alterity is informed by queer politics. His artistic practice takes an intersectional approach, whereby people are neither singular nor isolated; bodies of difference can intersect, practice mutual listening, take responsibility for themselves and one another.

Winner of the Project Claude Visual Art Award (Company of Men Exhibition, Midsumma Festival 2018).

Displays of Affection is presented by Temperance Hall and generously supported by the City of Port Phillip Local Festivals Fund and The Victorian State Government. The digital exhibition and launch event are supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet Pride Events and Festivals Fund as part of Midsumma Festival 2021.