Fragile Strength
Category
Portrait
Location
Edinburgh
Gear
Canon 6D mark II, lens Canon 24-70mm f/2.8
Description
In light of rising suicide rates among men, I have decided to explore the complexities of masculinity and male vulnerability. While researching and writing my essay "How can photography effectively represent the emotional vulnerabilities of men in the context of societal expectations?" I quickly discovered a deeply rooted societal perception of men as inherently masculine — strong, aggressive, and bold. Men often face immense pressure to conform to rigid gender roles and display ‘manly’ behaviours, which can spiral out of control and cause significant harm. Although many campaigns and projects raise awareness about male mental health and suicide prevention, I find there is still little emphasis on, or representation of, men’s struggles and emotions in the visual arts. Photography enables viewers to visualise, empathise, and grasp the gravity of the subject more deeply, as it reveals only a fragment of the story — leaving the rest to the imagination. As society evolves, I hope we will reach a point where acknowledging weakness and seeking help is no longer stigmatised but instead normalised.
Photographer
Anna Wyczalek
Social Media
Instagram: awycz.photo
Website: awycz.com
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