Brooklyn masculinity 


The concept of masculinity has been fueling my photographic research.

What fascinates me about the world we live in is the multitude of cultures, mindsets and actions spread across the globe. Social constructs develop over time, as society takes shape. I am in a phase of mass questioning; what are these boxes society created and put each individual into, and how we do, or don't, follow the norms of these social constructs?
Are we, as individual human beings, able to truly think for ourselves, or do we inevitably follow some sort of social guideline no matter how alternative and off the grid one may think to be. 


In this series I wish to open up the conversation regarding the concept of masculinity; what it means to men today and how they engage with it, navigating through the pressures of social conditioning. Through this photographic series I’ve interviewed my male Brooklyn subjects, asking them to reflect upon their upbringing and if they felt compelled to act accordingly. To my surprise, they answered with awareness that indeed they were attributed a roll which they  took on. 


Social constructs and conditioning keep on shaping behavior, and for the most part, people don't even question their beliefs, doings, actions and reactions. I wish to engage with my subjects, and viewers, inviting them to reflect. The process of taking a step back from our patterned life and habits, taking the time to actually think about our attitude in regards to what a citizen would consider the norm is my humble invitation to begin a thought process thus opening the conversation. 


Masculinity 

We are Claire and Muriel McIntyre. A sister duo working collectively in challenging normativety and conformism, through a visual diary of daily accounts and conversations.
We are currently working on a publication comprising the thread of our thoughts and happenings alongside curating an exhibition on how the cultural sector is affected by the pandemic, under the name of Marie Jayne Chanel.

Our practice is an exchange of mixed media, from our own imagery to sourced from the internet or found in old books, placing the body, skin space and constructs in order to challenge and invite the viewer to the conversation of reflection. 
Marie Jayne Chanel is an exploration of this relationships, beyond physical distance and proximity.

Marie Jane Chanel 02

Challenging social norms and conditioning. Exploring the mind and it's people through visual communication.


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Claire McIntyre