L.O.V.E.

Introduction

L.O.V.E. by artist Jacqueline Mak, was on display at City Hall from June 1-30 2026 in recognition of Pride Month.

About the Artwork

For this piece, the artist chose to spell out "L.O.V.E." using American Sign Language in order to create a "double-take" moment. A nod to anyone who has ever felt like they had to stay quiet or hide who they are. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to shout to be loud; our presence alone is a statement. By scattering Sapphic, Bi, Gay, and Trans symbols throughout the work, the artist leans into the beautiful, messy, multifaceted nature of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This isn’t just a piece about a feeling; it’s a celebration of visibility and a reminder that love is a bold, active force that can't be silenced. 

About the Artist

Jacqueline Mak is a multidisciplinary collage artist with a Bachelor of Design in Advertising and a postgraduate degree in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD University.

Her practice combines conceptual thinking with hands-on experimentation, drawing from both design strategy and fine art training. Working primarily with analog cut-outs, found materials, and digital illustration, she creates bold, colour-driven compositions that examine social norms, consumer culture, identity, and everyday behaviours that often go unquestioned.

Humour and satire play an important role in her work, offering accessible entry points into more critical conversations. Jacqueline has long been a collector of magazines, books, ephemera, and found objects. An avid scrapbooker and tactile pattern enthusiast, she developed a strong interest in illustration, eventually merging both practices into a more playful and dynamic visual language. Her work moves between collage, sculpture, and installation, maintaining a focus on materiality, storytelling, and thoughtful disruption through carefully constructed visual narratives.