Man, enough. Original Painting on Canvass.

Man, Enough. (2021)
Original Painting (1/1)

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24 x 36 inches
Acrylic paint on canvas stretched over a wood frame

This piece comes unframed and requires framing to hang.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss framing options and quotes.

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ABOUT THE PIECE

This is one of my favourite paintings. I LOVE the colours on this piece. These old images of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime are amazing and iconic but also represent old values of masculinity that have moved on so vastly in recent times. Arnie was a childhood hero of mine with his towering strength and alpha qualities. I later learned of his laser-like focus to become the best bodybuilder in the world, then the most famous actor in the world, then Governor of California. His dedication, vision, focus and unwavering determination are by far his most aspirational qualities, so much more than his muscles and power. If only these qualities were as celebrated as his physique when I was growing up. 

Concept:

Masculinity is broken, confused, misinterpreted, misunderstood and warped. Through advertising, TV, movies, media, news and the internet we are seeing such a broad spectrum of influences and examples of where masculinity can take us, what effect it has on the individual but also wider society. We are exposed to stereotypes and lazy depictions of masculinity across all media confusing new generations. These stereotypes make it easy to market to us but in doing so create a benchmark that cannot be achieved or sustained, which ultimately leads to feelings of failure and disillusionment, where we feel we are less. Incomplete. Not whole. Not enough. When in truth, everyone is complete and whole. You don’t need smelly water or a more powerful drill or a 15 blade razor to be complete and you don’t need to look like the men on the ads to be a real man. You haven’t failed if you don’t dress like the celebrity on the cover of the men’s magazine or have the body of that yoga dude on Instagram.
Granted you can choose to ignore these semiotics, but I challenge you to try when you are bombarded with them all day everyday.

Old ideas of masculinity are breaking down, being forgotten, eroding away and hopefully we can redefine the aspirations of young men to contribute something more positive and beneficial.

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Guarantee

Every care has been taken to accurately photograph and describe this original artwork. Please note that colour on screens can vary from real life viewing. If you are unsatisfied for whatever reason, please get in contact and I will happily accept its return in original condition for a full refund (excluding shipping)