James Barth ‘Earthbound’ 2022, courtesy Milani Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane.

James Barth’s practice explores the themes of trans self-representation and embodiment. Trained as an oil painter, her work extends beyond the traditional through a layered creative process. Using 3D modelling software, Barth first creates stages, props, and avatars rendered in her likeness, and assembles them into detailed digital tableaux. The compositions are then animated into video works and transmuted into oil paintings.

The Clumped Spirit marks Barth’s conceptual departure from self-portraiture—a swan song to her long-standing avatar. Across video, painting, and, for the first time, sculpture, watch as Barth dismantles her avatar across digital and physical worlds.