Visual artist Kim Leutwyler presents a new exhibition titled Desert Ballads and Sharp Spurs at the Nanda\Hobbs Gallery in Chippendale, coinciding with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The exhibition is open from February 24 to March 7, 2026, showcasing Leutwyler’s exploration of identity, queerness, and the natural world.
Leutwyler, who identifies as queer and gender diverse, has roots in the American Southwest but is currently based in Sydney. Their artistic practice spans various mediums, including painting, installation, ceramics, print media, and drawing. Known for vibrant and expressive works, Leutwyler’s art has been featured in galleries and major cultural institutions across Australia and internationally.
Art Inspired by Landscape and Identity
In an artist’s statement about the exhibition, Leutwyler reflects on the themes and inspirations behind their work. “The cowboy is often mythologised as a figure of freedom and toughness, yet is inseparable from frontier violence, land theft, and exclusionary ideals of masculinity,” they state.
Leutwyler’s personal experience growing up in a desert landscape as a queer and gender-diverse individual informs much of their work. They recount feeling disconnected from the cowboy culture that surrounded them. “This body of work is a return to the iconography and landscapes of my childhood,” they explain.
The artist describes their connection to the desert as profound, stating, “The desert has always felt like home. After moving to Australia, this connection deepened as I began exploring new environments, recognising familiar rhythms and forms across continents.” The landscape paintings in this exhibition blend memory and imagination, fostering an ongoing dialogue between the places Leutwyler has known.
A Celebration of Diversity and Expression
“These landscape paintings are not literal depictions. Instead, they merge memory and imagination,”
Leutwyler adds. This approach underscores the emotional and cultural significance of the landscapes they depict, inviting viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels.
As part of the broader festivities surrounding the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Leutwyler’s exhibition offers a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and artistic expression. The Nanda\Hobbs Gallery is located at 12-14 Meager Street, Chippendale, making it accessible to attendees of the Mardi Gras events.
With its focus on identity and the complexities of belonging, Desert Ballads and Sharp Spurs promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the vibrant cultural landscape of Sydney during this significant season.
