Justin Shoulder and Bhenji Ra
APT8
Justin Shoulder
Born 1985, Sydney, Australia
Bhenji Ra
Born 1990, Sydney, Australia
Live and work in Sydney
Justin Shoulder works in live performance, photography and video and is particularly known for his spectacular performances that developed within the underground context of Sydney's queer performance scene. Shoulder's performances are based around his highly developed 'Fantastic creatures', invented beings and alter-egos based on mythology, fables and fantasy forms. These creatures are embodied through intricately crafted costumes and movement, with full body suits, prostheses and masks convincingly transforming Shoulder's persona. His practice has its roots in nightclubs and underground live venues and still retains the collective energy of these spaces. In Ex Nilalang 2015, Shoulder collaborates with dancer Bhenji Ra, drawing on their shared Filipino lineage to re-imagine mythologies as celebratory legends. Presenting a mixture of live performance and video-based portraits filmed in the Philippines with queer individuals and collectives, the artists use their bodies to forge connections between queer, migrant, spiritual and intercultural experiences.
Justin Shoulder and Bhenji Ra have also worked with the QAGOMA Children's Art Centre to develop a project for APT8 Kids.
Justin Shoulder and Bhenji Ra in collaboration with Jai Jai / Ex Nilalang: Balud (production still) 2015 / Single-channel HD digital video, 16:9, colour, sound / Costume Design: Justin Shoulder in collaboration with Daniel Guarino and Anthony Aitch; Cinematographer: Sasha Palomares; Producer: Christina Ra; Sound Recorder: Jonathan Q Hee Kai Choong; Sound Design: Nick Wales; Editor: Bec Stegh; Singer 'Balud': Cielo Tibe; Photograph: Gregory Lorenzutti / This project was assisted by a grant from Arts NSW, an agency of the New South Wales Government and supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian State and Territory Governments. The program is administered by the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) / Developed for APT8 / Courtesy and © The artists
Justin Shoulder and Bhenji Ra perform at APT8's Closing Weekend, 2016 / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA
Justin Shoulder and Bhenji Ra perform at APT8's Closing Weekend, 2016 / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA
