Behind the Man, 2013

A visual exploration of male gender identity within domesticity.

Behind the Man is an exploration that examines male identity in regard to current cultural gender roles and domesticity within contemporary anticipations and realisations. Through the dissection and erasure of the male identity, the viewer has the opportunity to reflect and question the male’s role within today’s cultural climate with regard to their personal interpretations and beliefs. The works are created using found material and mixed media, including wood, metals, plastics televisions and house paint. The works instigate the viewer to question the depicted gender roles. The use of symbolic repetition ensures that the viewer cannot avoid this confrontation. The work stems from my personal experience of a young gay male growing up and now residing in rural Australia. It is this personal experience which started the research for my exegesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of the Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours).