Archie Barry's Try Keeping an Open Channel debuts at Western Front, September 6
Australian artist’s video-based solo exhibition explores themes of death, disembodiment, and transness

Archie Barry’s Second Line Work, 2025. Video still courtesy of the artist
Western Front presents Try Keeping an Open Channel, a solo exhibition by Australian artist Archie Barry, from September 6 to November 22. An opening reception takes place on September 6 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Featuring three new video works and an artist’s book, the exhibition reflects on themes of death, disembodiment, and transness to consider modes of perception and connection that exceed rationalism.
Each video serves as a portal to a minor history. Second Line Work revisits Barry’s childhood within The School of Practical Philosophy; Dream for Reed reflects on the inner life of pioneering trans philanthropist Reed Erickson through his writing, self-portraits, and poetry; and Water Builds Bridges draws on Barry’s own memories of loss and near-death experience.
The videos in Try Keeping an Open Channel play on a continuous loop. Visitors can enter and exit the gallery at any time.
For more details, see Western Front.
Post sponsored by Western Front.
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