A new exhibition at Greenfield Arts explores the changing nature of masculinity.
ManMade is a series of installations, sculptures and textile works that raise questions about men’s behaviour and their expressions of masculinity.
The exhibition has been curated by Newcastle artist Richard Bliss, who has been in residence at Greenfield Arts since April. For ManMade Richard has created Hanging, a piece that implores men to be kinder, and Over-Coat, (in partnership with Philip Clark), a work which explores the inner feelings of men and boys. The exhibition also features shirts from Richard’s collection, The Quest for The Perfect Shirt; work by men who attend the Greenfield Cree; and The Gentleman’s Wardrobe by William Titley and a group of male carers from East Lancashire.
“The idea for creating an exhibition that explored a different kind of masculinity began when I was supported by Arts Council England to develop my project The Quest for the Perfect Shirt.” Said Richard. “When I was developing ManMade I was struggling with some big questions: Why bully and banter, not kindness and care? Which is braver, daily caring or a single act in war? Who chooses fists over feelings? I can’t answer the questions, but I hope the exhibition encourages us to think about the changing nature of masculinity.”
ManMade treats the gallery at Greenfield Arts in a fresh way. Each of the works has been given its own space, with creative use of lighting and unusual styles of presentation. For example, Over-Coat is hanging on a door, apparently having just been taken off by its owner, and visitors can sit inside The Gentleman’s Wardrobe and hear the voices of the men who made the work with William Titley.
The exhibition illustrates what Richard describes as socially engaged art practice.
“All the work has come about through some kind of collaboration”, said Richard. “Public conversations have contributed to the ideas in the shirts, workshops led to us making the medals, and the residency led directly to making Over-Coat. The Gentleman’s Wardrobe emerged from the process of engaging with a group of men who care for a loved one at home.”
ManMade has been created with financial support from Lubaina Himid (with Into a Better Shape) and Greenfield Arts. It can be seen at Greenfield Arts until 18th September.
