Boys Don’t Cry

Amber Denness

Year 12

School: Lynwood Senior High School

Medium: Mixed media – oil on canvas and Perspex,

Artist statement: My art piece features the injustice of gender, specifically focusing on toxic masculinity. The glass panel features a black and white portrait of a traditional male who has been shaped and moulded by society into a dull, colourless and emotionless robot. A red stripe across his eyes symbolises the absence of identity caused by the destruction of character as a result of traditional masculine norms. Where the heart would be naturally placed is a hole containing a detached, bleeding heart. The portrait sitting behind the first reacts against traditional masculine norms — showing emotion, femininity and unique identity — is normalised through the use of colour, jewellery, visible tears and flowers. The heart is attached and healthy to represent fulfilment.