ST KILDA defender Sam Gilbert will feature in a prominent art series as part of the coming Midsumma Festival exhibition.

Gilbert, who has been a longstanding public supporter of marriage equality and GLBTI rights, will feature in the Censored Nudes series created by artist Ross Watson, and will march under St Kilda FC’s banner in the Midsumma Pride March on Sunday 31 January.

Other public figures to have featured in Watson’s work include comedian Stephen Fry and athletes Ian Roberts and Matthew Mitcham.

Gilbert is depicted surrounded by a bubble, representing the filter of social media to modern society.

Watson said Gilbert had shown a true passion for a cause that was growing in momentum and that he was a vital voice as a high-profile AFL player.

“I have huge respect for people like Sam who continue to challenge homophobia,” Watson said.

“He's a greatly valued ally of the Victorian GLBTI community.”

Gilbert has been one of the club’s most visible and vocal figures pushing for change in marriage equality.

“Love is love, and it shouldn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, you should be able to marry the love of your life whomever that may be,” Gilbert said.

"As a club and as a code we are inclusive of everyone and there’s no place for discrimination so absolutely I support marriage equality for all people.”

 Ross Watson is a Melbourne based artist who has exhibited in over 30 solo exhibitions, including London, Berlin, Cologne and Toronto, since 1984. His art has been included in important surveys of Australian and international contemporary art at the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and in the Toronto and Melbourne International Art Fairs.

The Censored Nudes exhibition will be held from Friday 22 January – Sunday 7 February at the Ross Watson Gallery in Carlton. Viewing is by appointment: enquiries@rosswatson.com or 03 9348 2821. 

Watson will be present in the gallery on Saturday 23 January between 3- 5pm.