Breathing Archive | Jamie James

Breathing Archive “A photographically queer conversation” chronicles Sydney’s queer and kink performance cultures of the 1990s and early 2000s. Made on Gadigal land, by photographer Jamie James, with dramaturge/performer Victoria Spence and creative team, Breathing Archive combines storytelling, projections, performance and community voice in a no-holes-barred queer experience.

Drawing on the early years of James’ rich and vibrant longitudinal documentation, Breathing Archive plumbs the depths of collective memory; queer lineage and celebrates the ways we access and understand our shared histories.

Performance times

• Wed 22 Oct, 9-10pm

• Fri 24 Oct, 9-10pm

• Sat 25 Oct, 9-10pm

View full Liveworks Program here

Talks & Sharings

Sun 26 Oct, 1pm
Carriageworks Cafe

Join Breathing Archive artists Jamie James and Victoria Spence as they explore the complexities, challenges and opportunities of the archive with a panel of artists, thinkers and archivists. Featuring Anne Hocking (State Library of NSW), Frances Barrett (artist and researcher), Daniel Browning (artist and writer) and Jose De Silva (Director, UNSW Galleries). Learn More.

Content warning

This work includes strobe, haze, and images of nudity, body fluids, drug use, sexual acts, BDSM, body piercing and blood letting.
Creative team
Lead Artist, Jamie James
Outside Eye, Dramaturg and Performer, Victoria Spence
Video Editor, Nisa East
Assistant Video and Sound Editor, Julian Hamman
Soundscape, DJ Gemma
Lighting Designer, Karen Norris

Breathing Archive is presented by Performance Space as part of Liveworks 2025.

Commissioned by Performance Space for Liveworks 2025 and presented by Performance Space.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, by the NSW Government through Create NSW and through the City of Sydney.

Image: "Emergency” senVoodo (Wojak, Fiona Kelly McGregor with Rush) PB's fundraiser, The Kirk, Redfern. 2002