Alex Douw

How should a man behave?

In my artistic work, I'm working on a translation of questions that arise within myself and how I relate to the world around me.

We have developed strong ideas about certain social concepts within our society. As a man, you're socialised differently from a woman. There are ideas about how you should behave and what qualities you should possess. For example, a man must take a leading role and be the strongest physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This ideology contributes to an unequal distribution within society. Men are portrayed as instigators and beneficiaries of this inequality. That's why I believe we can only change this when men recognise their role in all of this.

Do I perpetuate this ideology?

Do I dare to be critical of my own behaviour?

At the finals exhibition, I'm exhibiting a ceramic work of a man, 1:1 scale, in an uncomfortable, vulnerable pose. The softness and warmth of the skin are contrasted with the hard, cold ceramic material of the pieces.

This work originated from an exploration of the vulnerability of the male body, focusing on the skin and its folds. A delicate whole, both in its making process and execution.

See the detailed steps of the making process of this work here.