(In)voluntary Masculinity, Becoming A Greek God.

About

(in)Voluntary Masculinity, becoming a Greek God- is about identity and how much do we knowingly and unwittingly volunteer to this masculine ideal embedded in popular culture. It is a series of portraits taken by over twenty photographers (emerging and experienced). “I gave them all the same brief and each one had full creative control except that I had to be their model.” McGreal says, “by becoming these ideals, I explore what masculinity and identity means in modern life. I wanted to reimagine masculinity being challenging the male gaze and even the female gaze.” The most truthful way to create this exhibition, was to collaborate with many outside eyes and have a curiosity set in.”  McGreal likes his work to have a whiff of curiosity and participation,  ”I’m always trying to find ways of discovering things about people and in the process discover more about myself.”

The classic Greek ideal saturates every aspect of the media. From entertainment and politics to social media and our work place. The idea our identity still hinges on replicating the Classic Greeks has become the mass ideal subject matter. “Look at how many guys, from all over the world are posting on social media platforms, their sculptured Greek bodies.” McGreal says, “I was looking to the Greeks with a vivid curiosity. It was a true medium of expression, a reflection of beauty, and contemplation led to a kind of truth. That become the foundation.”