Artworks
Narrative
“The Goal of Queer Space is Orgasm” is an exploration of cruising spaces. Cruising spaces are areas where members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly men who have sex with men, engage in anonymous and casual sexual encounters. This project explores the spaces these acts are carried out in, looking at the social and spatial characteristics that influence the evolution of these places. 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 artefacts 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 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.
Biography
Cian Lawler is an Irish visual artist. He received a B.A Hons in Photography from Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design + Technology. Rooted in exploration and introspection, Lawler's practice navigates the intersection of identity, community, and space.
Lawler’s photographic work captures the essence of human presence within both natural and built environments. By immersing himself in the landscapes he photographs, he uncovers layers of meaning that reflect the transient and often impermanent nature of these spaces. His images invite viewers to contemplate their own connections to the spaces they inhabit.