Kim Leutwyler Courtney and Shane

Shane Jenek, better known under the stage name Courtney Act, is an Australian drag artist, singer, television personality and author.

‘I have always been drawn to Courtney’s vibrancy, fearlessness and talent. She negotiates the boundaries of gender and sexuality both in and out of drag,’ says US-born, Sydney-based artist Kim Leutwyler.

‘During our sittings we discussed life, love, gender expression and the many permutations of queerness we’ve experienced while living and travelling overseas. It’s a beautiful thing to meet someone and feel so instantly connected and comfortable in their presence. Perhaps that connection is bound to happen between two queer people who are openly and unapologetically themselves at all times,’ says Leutwyler.

‘As always, I blended realism and abstraction as a subtle vernacular to portray the fluidity and complexities of identity and sexuality.’

This is Leutwyler’s sixth time as an Archibald finalist. She is also a finalist in this year’s Sulman Prize.