Melancholy Metropolitan 'Men'

Drawing from media and material from the 90s to the current day, Melancholy Metropolitan 'Men' presents work that samples and satirises pop-culture representations of ‘Men’ expressing (or performing) sadness and sensitivity. About Drawing from media and material from the 90s to the current day, Melancholy Metropolitan 'Men' delves into the contemporary cultural phenomenon of "Melancholy Metropolitan Masculinity" presenting work that samples and satirises pop-culture representations of ‘Men’ expressing (or performing) sadness and sensitivity. In 1994, Mark Simpson infamously theorised of the “Metrosexual Man” (typified by (Sir) David Beckham) as a new consumer identification, a man who cares about their appearance, developed by fashion brands, style magazines and marketing agencies in a conspiracy to make men more loyal consumers of fashion and beauty products. The emergence of the Melancholy Metropolitan ‘Man’ in the pop culture of the same period , a ‘man’ who wears his heart on his sleeve for all to see, has had a similar effect in romanticising depression and disaffection, and reshaping how we express our agency today. Considering the appeal of unconventionally masculine pop stars and public figures from Justin Bieber to Cold Play's Chris Martin, as well as the fantasies, fashions and interior design choices of the modern day “sad / soft boy", the exhibition's artists provide us now with a survey look at how sadness has been sold to us in the 21st century. Featuring George Miller, Attiyyah Rahman, Moritz Tibes, Lulu Williams & Luke van Gelderen Melancholy Metropolitan ‘Men’ opens with a private view (open to all) on the 7th of November from 3-6pm, before opening from 12-6pm Thursday the 12th, Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th of November for public entry; the exhibition is also open by appointment Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th. On the 14th to celebrate the exhibition’s run, artist Tom Motley and exhibition curator Cameron McClellan will present readings alongside a curated selection of sad boy / Melancholy ‘Man’ music from the 90s to the current day. Read more Toggle Sculpture Painting Audio / Sound Photography Multi-disciplinary Performance / Live Art Prints