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Despite efforts to combat stigma surrounding men’s mental health, there are still sociocultural models that harbour the traditional constructs of masculinity within society. This semester I have worked to address the preserved ideals that are ingrained within the military, through challenging the face of stoicism via physicality and exaggerated expression within a series of print and ceramic works.
The ceramic series, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, shows sixteen life-sized masculine heads. Each figure has been individually sculpted and is diverse in its expression. The ceramic figures are presented in military formation, reflecting the arrangement of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army. Black cabling runs through the square holes of each figure. The holes are indicative of windows, providing insight into each figure’s internal emotion. I used the excess cable to adorn the walls of the space, creating an immersive, imposing environment.
The series works to break the ‘masculine masquerade’, confronting the audience with a visualisation of the constrained emotion suppressed by soldiers, in turn enabling the audience to question their view of masculinity within contemporary society.
The narrative of my ceramic practice is further supported by a series of expressive monoprints. The colouring of the monoprints allude to the colouring of the terracotta ceramic works.
The narrative of my ceramic practice is further supported by a series of expressive monoprints. In this print continuous line has been used to generate a somewhat tortured figure.
Sophie Shaw
Final year project
Boys Don't Cry
Work Experience
During my time at Loughborough, I have interned as a Visual Merchandising Assistant at MaxMara and Planarama. My industry experience and interest in creative display whilst on the Fine Arts Degree Programme has led to a career in Visual Merchandising.
