At Art Pharmacy, we believe that creativity thrives where inclusion lives. As we celebrate Pride Month, we’re shining a light on the LGBTQ+ artists whose work not only brings beauty to the public realm but also expands the boundaries of cultural dialogue.
This year, we’re proud to feature Jessica Johnson, a Warumungu/Wombaya artist whose practice embodies our values of social impact, cultural equity, and place-led storytelling.
Her artwork Continuation (2023), a triptych of vibrant Blak Hearts, now lives at Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney. Originally created for Sydney WorldPride 2023, this bold and joyful piece is more than just a celebration, it’s a visual legacy. Each heart speaks to WorldPride’s theme of Dream, Gather, Amplify, and represents the fusion of First Nations identity with queer pride, resonating with thousands who danced, connected, and loved openly across those unforgettable 17 days at Sydney WorldPride.
“Blak Hearts are a reminder to First Nations people to love themselves and that many people in this nation and around the world stand with us.”
– Jessica Johnson
Jessica’s work showcases how her intersecting identities as a queer Aboriginal woman, designer, and community leader create complex narratives that challenge dominant structures and foster collective empathy. At Art Pharmacy, we’ve long understood that everyone benefits when artists are empowered to bring their full selves to their work.
As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion, we advocate for platforms where underrepresented voices, especially those of First Nations and LGBTQ+ backgrounds, can thrive. By championing diverse stories, we don’t just transform public spaces; we transform public consciousness.
Whether it’s in the form of murals, digital installations, or permanent works in corporate spaces like Quay Quarter Tower, representation matters. It enriches our shared spaces, sparks conversation, and makes room for the joy, resistance, and history embedded in every brushstroke or design element.
This streamlined approach enables stronger results while allowing architects, interior designers, and developers to stay focused on their core responsibilities.
This Pride Month, and every month, we celebrate the power of diversity in art. Because when all voices are heard, the picture is always more vibrant.
Article by Samantha Sanders