Masculinity is socially constructed. It is learned and passed down from one generation to the next. Masculinity in South Africa is troubled with historic and economic challenges, as well as changing gender norms having greatly affected the way we perceive men in our society, and also how masculinity is achieved. The inability to achieve a sense of manliness through socially acceptable means leads to hyper masculine behaviour that includes violence, dangerous acts, and acts of domination (like rape or domestic abuse), played out in order to counter the stress caused by the inability to feel purposeful within society.
The response to hyper masculine behaviour until recently has been to empower women, in a sense putting up arms against a threat. Few have considered how to resolve this threat from its root. What are the concerns of men, and how can these be resolved to better society?
Making Men looks at the relationship between fathers and sons and inquires what kind of influence this masculine role model has had on a boy’s life. Based on what they experience in their intimate environment, what do boy’s consider to be manly? Through observation of physical similarities including mannerisms, postures, dress code and genetic snaps, a greater discourse is opened on how much psychological behaviour can be adopted from a role model. The influence of the (physically or emotionally) absent father is also analysed.
Having lost his father at a young age, the artist commences this project within the demographic he grew up in, witnessing how his peers grew up and turned out having a male influence. His search to conclude what a good masculine role model is traverses a gendered line and the relationship between men and boys. This focus is relevant across all race and class boundaries.
Masculinity is at the root of many issues including violent crime, and poor access to health care. By harnessing the relationship between men and boys, we can create a construct of masculinity that is free from hyper masculine behaviour, and contributes to the development of the family structure and society.
The response to hyper masculine behaviour until recently has been to empower women, in a sense putting up arms against a threat. Few have considered how to resolve this threat from its root. What are the concerns of men, and how can these be resolved to better society?
Making Men looks at the relationship between fathers and sons and inquires what kind of influence this masculine role model has had on a boy’s life. Based on what they experience in their intimate environment, what do boy’s consider to be manly? Through observation of physical similarities including mannerisms, postures, dress code and genetic snaps, a greater discourse is opened on how much psychological behaviour can be adopted from a role model. The influence of the (physically or emotionally) absent father is also analysed.
Having lost his father at a young age, the artist commences this project within the demographic he grew up in, witnessing how his peers grew up and turned out having a male influence. His search to conclude what a good masculine role model is traverses a gendered line and the relationship between men and boys. This focus is relevant across all race and class boundaries.
Masculinity is at the root of many issues including violent crime, and poor access to health care. By harnessing the relationship between men and boys, we can create a construct of masculinity that is free from hyper masculine behaviour, and contributes to the development of the family structure and society.