.... LOVE, TAYLOR SQ (SYDNEY), 2008

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.... Love, was a site-specific solo exhibition by London-based artist Carl Hopgood curated by Claire Taylor. Using the decommissioned mens' Public Conveniences building in Taylor Sq, Oxford St, this public art project transformed the heritage site with sound, video projections and installation works for two weeks, opening on Valentine's Day.

The exhibition explored different aspects of underground gay culture through works that spoke to the site's colourful history as a notorious gay beat.

The centrepieces to the exhibition were the two "Hustler Frieze" works, which confronted viewers in the open spaces at the bottom of each set of steps and above the rows of urinals. The diptych's ceramic tiles were comprised of images from male sexworker classified adverts, mostly headless torsos protecting their identity. In counterpoint to these were intimate installations set within the stalls and central recess.

Throughout, the spaces were bathed in the light of an alternating pink neon and murmuring voices from overlapping sound-bites of telephone dating chat lines. The artist described the appropriation of a public underground toilet to become an art installation as extending a space where private acts become public spectacle.

The project was presented as part of the cultural program of the 2008 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and was assisted by the City of Sydney. The exhibition was also supported by GuidetoGay.com, Sanyo, DPM Creative Group, Gold's Gym, The Oxford Hotel, Lazertran, Sign-a-Rama Sydney CBD, and Bunnings Warehouse. The exhibition launched on 14 February 2008, and was open to the public 15 - 29 February 2008.

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