DEM art&design: Viewpoint, Greyson Perry

Greyson Perry

All Man

While looking for ideas for my viewpoint magazine I was made aware of the Artist known as Greyson Perry. He's also famously known because of this alter ego, Claire. Doing some online searches I read an article about a channel four programme called All Man.

The documentary sees the artist look at different notions of masculinity, and assess whether we might be able to address them. From what I've read without watching the program I was surprised to be made aware of the topically subject matter with regards to the stereotypical roll of a man.

So far with the idea of women in the work-place I have only considered the Feminist approach, and I guess I too have also played into the idea that men are men, and that ALL men are scripted to be a certain way. The way that gives the sense that girls /women are less equal and skilled at doing manual labour. (something I have showed wrong and untrue myself and yet could maybe if argued could question if overpowered) What the article I read made me aware of was that men (mainly younger) are fluid, forgiving and more tolerant these days. Statistics state that 76% of all suicides in the UK are men under 45. Many feeling trapped by the habits of the ideal stereotype to be a man, a father, son and a worker which leaves many feeling lost and inadequate.

Seems a little unfair, when women are shouting out about equal rights and yet as we look towards our other halves, we to expect a certain, fixed, strong and sure partner. Many marriages I'm sure have ended because of this roll being unfulfilled by the male partner, the advertising industry have us conform to this set ideal by telling us that dressing a certain way makes us look more appealing, or having a designers watch can give us a greater sense or male/female rapport. We buy into this similarity of the characteristics that then makes or suggests we fit into our role.

perry's tapestry on social britain

I like the idea of being looked after in terms of an emotional connection, closeness, with the added high of a deeper sexually (expect/performance) with regards to my partner. Many articles state women look for a father figure as a partner, but truth be told my own father (while fitting into many of the male masculine roles) was in fact somebody I feel, didn't have the right qualities or ideals. He was in many ways I thought weak at the end of his life, because while on his death bed he still never gave me much emotion as to his love for me. For years I searched and hoped for acknowledgement from him, but never was given a slice of appreciation, connection or emotion.

I can hold my hands up and say that in past experience I have or would of though less of a partner for not holding they shit together! The damage I may of caused from this is terrible and I do feel sadly shocked and conceded at my own narrow tunnel vision views. What makes us think less of a person for showing emotion? What says that men and women can't work together equally? With the same merit, pay and respect?

Masculinity is behaviour of people with a penis! Or associated with people with a penis.

The Vanity of Small Differences, a series of six exuberant tapestries by Grayson Perry

Women in the workplace is where I intended my article to head. With this in mind the slogan -You don't have to have a penis to get a grip of hard wood, came to mind.

Car Mechanics could maybe use the slogan, Who's under your bonnet, or does it matter? ...which could have a male with some sexual women's wear bending over a bonnet! or lady dressed in overalls sexually....

plumbers - male wet t-shirt under a sink sexual pose with a big wrench while the female has a stance of some sort

Maybe I could dress as both character's.....

Im not really sure of as yet.