"Just about Jack and the City" is one of the most engaging and creatively fulfilling experiences in my academic journey. Conducted as part of the "Making Urban Studies" course at Malmö University, this project pushed the boundaries of traditional urban research by seamlessly blending various artistic approaches with innovative research methods. At its core, the study explored the intersectional identities of Muslim gay men in Toronto, focusing on complexities beyond conventional labels.
I employed photo documentation, personally capturing images and videos of urban spaces that my participant, Jack, described as enjoyable or disliked to accommodate his busy schedule.
This visual storytelling was complemented by digital illustrations created using Poser, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which resulted in thought-provoking fake advertisements. The ads served dual purposes: highlighting the commercialization and sexualization of gay bodies in urban spaces, and critically examining how support for the gay community is leveraged as a profit-gaining mechanism.
Methodologically, I applied Single Subject Research Design (SRRD) that allows for deep, individual-focused analysis. I also embraced "friendship as method," an approach that validated the relational aspect of knowledge creation.
The project culminated in a participatory counter-map visualizing Toronto from Jack's intersectional perspective, challenging conventional urban representations.
I'm developing this work into a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, aiming to contribute to academic discourse and artistic representation in urban studies. This project exemplifies my commitment to interdisciplinary work that bridges art, research, and critical urban planning, offering fresh perspectives on how we understand, represent, and critique urban experiences.
Jack's Colour Map: Created through QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Colour coding: violet for joy, excitement, or happiness; black for dislike; red for anger; gray for neutrality; green for peace; orange for fun activities; and yellow for diversity and multiculturalism.
Fake advertisement: Model created with Poser and Photoshop, and ad compiled with Adobe Illustrator. It serves as a thought-provoking critique of sexualization and commodification in urban nightlife.
Photo documentation of places Jack described
Harbourfront, Toronto, ON, CANADA
High Park, Toronto, ON, CANADA
High Park, Toronto, ON, CANADA
High Park, Toronto, ON, CANADA
An international mosque, Toronto, ON, CANADA
A Turkish mosque, Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA
The Gay Village, Toronto, ON, CANADA
Glad Day Bookshop, Toronto, ON, CANADA
Glad Day Bookshop, Toronto, ON, CANADA
Videos from Jack's favourite place: the Harbourfront, Toronto
Fake advertisement: Credit card promotion exploiting Pride support for profit. Created with 3D Max and Adobe Illustrator to critique corporate rainbow-washing.
Mind map of intersectionality in Toronto
