Junctures In Masculinity -
2020-21
Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Male identity is openly analysed, criticised, and discussed through various aspects of academia, media, and artistic genres. Notions of hyper and toxic masculinity are evident in many segments of society, with patriarchal values still being upheld much to the dismay of forward-thinking and progressive men.
Yet with the ability to broaden male perspectives to show the diverse range of characteristics we can understand the spectrum of identity, helping to acknowledge the failure of society to label men with such limitations, neglecting the varied peculiarities which exists within each man and how they deal with such connotations of toxicity in a world that continues to change.
Male identity is fluid and heterogeneous, therefore not only existing via the language, thoughts, feelings, and emotions displayed, but by the moments, bonds, happiness, despondency, gestures, arguments, and senses evoked while being present in male friendship groups.
Masculinity is defined by these junctures in life. Men bond in different ways and each instance is subject to the intra-personal relationship held by these people, whether unique to a friendship group or universally recognised, these qualities that define facades of masculinity are integral in understanding the junctures which exist.
Through these images I have set out to analyse the experiences of young men, searching to discover their personal identity in an ever-changing world. By using subjects who I have a pre-existing friendship with, I can delve deeper into the personal perspectives of both me as the documenter and my friends as the subjects, allowing a greater understanding of the way in which we relate to one another and how they shape the development of a person.