“Bold, beautiful, bright and in your face”: The Huxleys Fantastic Voyage exhibit brings magic to Albany Pride

The opening weekend of Albany Pride was filled with “magic and a stunning sense of community”, according to organisers, thanks to the exhibit launch of the world-renowned performance art duo the Huxleys. Will and Garrett Huxley opened their Fantastic Voyage exhibition at the Albany Town Hall on Friday, marking the second official day of the two-week Albany Pride Festival. The Melbourne-based artists, who have been together for more than 17 years, said their exhibit is a retrospective look back at the past 10 years of their career, showcasing the best of their photography, performance and costume works. Bedazzled in sequins and feathers, the couple said they use art as a tool of expression and a way to transport audiences to “new worlds”. “We want to take our audiences to places where self-expression is limitless and where too much is never enough,” the duo said.“Fantastic Voyage is a love letter to those who dare to dream, to those who embrace the extraordinary, and to the beautiful chaos of creativity.” Albany Pride committee member Tiger Bird hailed the exhibition, particularly the artist talk on Saturday evening, as one of the “most mesmerising and beautiful experiences” of their life. “We knew this year with everything going on, (opening weekend) had to be bold and beautiful and bright and in your face,” they said. “The queer community have always had such a connection with art — it’s how we find ourselves and how we identify ourselves. “The Huxleys were magical. Not only is their art phenomenal but their story is too.” Tiger Bird said the duo had been “forcibly adopted” in the Albany LGBTQIA+ community. “They are two of the nicest, most genuine people and everyone left filled with magic and pride,” they said. “Hearing them talk about their artistry and process and creativity was wonderful. “There was such a wonderful sense of community in the air and magic and we couldn’t have asked for a better opening weekend.” The Huxleys have performed, exhibited and participated in numerous exhibitions, projects and events in Australia, and internationally in London, Berlin, Moscow and Hong Kong. The Fantastic Voyage exhibition will be displayed at the Albany Town Hall until March 22.