Not Just A Phrase

Pleasure Project 2024

Pleasure Project is a curatorial initiative that stages exhibitions centred on queer women and gender diverse people.

Not Just A Phrase is Pleasure Project's third exhibition, which explores words, phrases, symbols and signifiers that hold meaning for queer women and gender diverse communities. Curated by Tor Evans, the exhibition brings together work by artists CJ Starc, Dylan Barnes, Frances Cannon, George Keats, Jay Van Nus, Little Eyes Alien, Mads Rowe, Mish Keating, Sophie Shingles and Zoë Sydney.

Not Just A Phrase takes its cue from a common statement of queer resistance, “it’s not just a phase”, which has been used by queer and trans people to assert the validity of their identities in the face of heteronormative expectations. Featuring art across painting, textiles, prints and mixed media, the exhibition highlights the importance of language and images to affirm identities and connect queer communities.

Join us for a range of exciting programs and events at Unassigned Gallery as part of our exhibition:

• Opening Event | Thu 25 Jan 6-9pm
  Celebrate the opening of the exhibition with queer artists, creatives and friends. Includes a live performance by QWINY.
• Art Day | Sun 28 Jan 3-6pm
  Get inspired and create at this social art making afternoon inside the Not Just A Phrase exhibition. Art supplies as well as tea and coffee provided.
• Crockpot x Pleasure Project Spoken Word Night | Thu 1 Feb 6-9pm
  Features a curated line up of queer poets and storytellers, music performance by Joel Keith, and open mic. Please contact [email protected] if you have any accessibility needs in order to experience this event. Please note that this event will no longer be AUSLAN interpreted.
• Maker's Market | Sat 3 Feb 1-5pm
  A queer makers market featuring art and craft stalls, a food truck, DJ sets and a live performance by ED MOON.

Entry to the queer maker's market by small donation.