Artist Statement Divergent archetypes for old ideas is a collection of photographic and promptographic portraits, displayed as individual prints, which when seen in sequence, propose new ways of being, where queer and alternative performances of self stand against notions of shame and judgement. With research as photographer, and subject, and in collaboration with my queer and ‘othered’ community they actively queer and playfully weaponise: creative space for oppositional action; communal play; individual agency; self-expression; gender performativity; and the erotic. In deconstructing, rearranging, recontextualising and appropriating old binary archetypes and narratives, including the use of false promptographic images, this collection enables the empowerment of individuals and communities alike, and in doing so, inspires those who have felt shame, to make a stand, for themselves, and those they love.

The full exhibition of 41 artworks has recently been shown in Melbourne at Fortyfive Downstairs as part of the Midsumma Festival and I am looking for a space to show it back home here in Adelaide. Further images and exhibition documentation can be seen at https://b.leideritz.com/challenged/divergent-archetypes-for-old-ideas/