Stiletto heels and bedazzled jerseys might seem like unusual sporting attire for a cricket ground, but self-proclaimed "queer wizards" Will and Garrett Huxley think otherwise.
In their most ambitious photography project so far, the creative duo are re-imagining the sporting horror stories of participants in a "fabulous" camp takeover.
The event is one of many presented by The Huxleys over the years as part of the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival, one of Australia's largest multi-arts festivals, with more than 470 events in 2024.
Growing up loving art, Will Huxley's exposure to sport was limited to forced participation at school.
"Having to play team sports through school was like hell for us," he said.
"When you're a queer person at odds with athleticism ... being forced to play ... you were bullied.
"It was just like an absolute nightmare."
Making up for lost time, The Winner Takes It All project invites members of the LGBTQI+ community to participate in a photo shoot in which they "perform" in a game of sport.
Individuals can live out their fantasies through their chosen sports, such as cricket and AFL "matches" one day and tennis and swimming the next.
From spectator to sporting star, to an umpire or mascot, Mr Huxley says the "whole world of sports is up for grabs".
"That trauma that you face as a young queer person ... you carry it with you, but what a fun way to reclaim that and laugh at it," he said.
Living in a sports-obsessed country is not easy, Mr Huxley says, who wants that same level of airtime and exposure for the arts.
"We want to try and force the art into the sport ... (To let participants) feel like a hero, even just for a moment," he said.
"It's a chance for us all to be together and be absurd and fabulous on the field."
As part of the project, Melbourne's Malvern Cricket Ground, Princes Garden Tennis Courts and the Prahran Aquatic Centre will be transformed into makeshift open-air photo booths.
"We call ourselves queer wizards," Mr Huxley said.
"But still, it's the weirdest thing we've done ... there's a lot of room for things to go wrong.
"You have to be open to the fact that art may not go exactly how you had hoped, but it'll be ridiculous and fun."
The free event takes place on Sunday, October 6 and again on Saturday, October 12.
