How does your new exhibitionWhat Maketh A Manexplore masculinity and the modern man?
The exhibition strips away the artifice and lays masculinity bare. Over 40 models left their comfort zone, sat for me and showed that modern masculinity can be a broad, progressive, diverse and all accepting kinda thing. Just as all men need to understand feminism, I think after seeing this show, any woman will also understand how complex it can be to be a man.
Is it a healthy thing that we have such varied ideas of what makes a man in 2016?
In the natural world, if a species doesn’t evolve it will become extinct – it’s the same with masculinity. Narrow parameters and a ‘right or wrong’ attitude aren’t working. We need to embrace diversity, compassion and acceptance to move forward.
In your experience, is Australia a place that encourages this plurality or not?
Erm, let’s say I think there is still a long way to go.
Have you ever experienced your own masculinity being questioned?
As a queer man, my masculinity is constantly questioned because of my sexuality, however I’d say there is a bravery and confidence needed to transcend that. They are very traditional masculine traits – I hope the irony there is obvious.
Why is there even a culture of “questioning someone’s masculinity”? The 1950s just called and said we need to really rethink that whole idea.
How did you come to create these artworks and find your models?
I mostly asked friends. It was awkward, it was weird and yup, I’m afraid it even probably came across as a bit creepy, but luckily I’m surrounded by people who believed in what I was trying to do and say as an artist. This whole project was a big lesson in trust and how if someone steps out of their comfort zone I have to really honour that.
[Guy James Whitworth photo by Nicola Bailey]
What Maketh A Man runsSunday October 23 – Saturday October 29 atThe Shop Gallery, Glebe.
