Sydney-based artist Todd Fuller was invited by Manly Art Gallery & Museum to share a local story to coincide with the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The resulting exhibition, ‘Simple Love’, presents an intimate, hand-drawn animation centred on the life of Northern Beaches local Adam George.
Known for his involvement in the 2017 Marriage Equality campaign and his appearance in the documentary, ‘Out in the Lineup’, Adam’s story defies cliché. A surfer, a boxer, an actor, a musician and a dancer raised in a Christian household, Adam’s story straddles masculinity and queerness, sitting outside typical stereotypes of the LGBTIQ community.
Narrated by Adam himself, ‘Simple Love’ explores the many forms love takes in his life, from romantic partnerships to canine companionship and the meditative rituals of boxing; the piece is a conversation about love itself. With Palm Beach, Whale Beach and Turrimetta all featured in the work, it is also a love letter to the Northern Beaches and the Australian coast.
Todd Fuller’s practice is grounded in reclaiming and reimagining queer histories, whether speculative, forgotten, or unfolding in real time. Through his distinctive method of animating a work frame by frame through drawing, Fuller builds tender, layered portraits that honour the lived experiences of his subjects. In ‘Simple Love’, he offers a meditation on connection and visibility, bridging the perceived divide between queer and straight identities. The work is both a portrait of the contemporary queer family unit and a subtle reminder that love, can be beautifully simple.
The exhibition includes an animation with accompanying soundtrack by Ryley Gillen, as well as sketchbooks and unframed drawings. Additional exhibition components such as wall-drawings can be negotiated with the artist. ‘Simple Love’ is an accessible, gentle exhibition that will easily resonate with coastal and regional communities. Todd is represented by .M Contemporary, Sydney. The artist is also available for artist talks, animation and drawing workshops in consultation with the gallery.
About the Artists
Todd Fuller + Ryley Gillen
About the Curators
Todd Fuller
Supporting Materials
Artist TalkFloor ListInstallation SupportInstallation Support AvailableInterpretative / Didactic PanelsPublic Program OpportunitiesPublic Workshops
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