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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Penzance, TR20 8YL

Profile

Name

Max Whetter

Website

Instagram.com/maxwhetter

Statement

In my artistic practice, I delve deeply into the complex and evolving concept of masculinity. My work is a contemplative exploration of what it means to be masculine in the contemporary world, aiming to challenge, question, and redefine traditional notions of male identity, often through the lens of my Cornish upbringing.

Masculinity, often portrayed through lenses of strength, stoicism, and dominance, is a theme I interrogate with both sensitivity and critique. Through using commonly found objects and humble diy materials such as emulsion paint or expanding foams, I seek to unravel these archetypes and reveal the nuanced, multifaceted nature of male experience. My art engages with themes of vulnerability, emotional depth, and the often-hidden struggles that accompany societal expectations of masculinity.

I am interested in the tension between public and private selves, exploring how men navigate personal and cultural expectations. My work often juxtaposes raw, tactile materials with delicate, introspective elements, symbolising the balance between outward strength and inner fragility. This contrast serves as a metaphor for the internal conflicts and contradictions that many men face.

By addressing these themes, I aim to create a dialogue that encourages viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of masculinity. I believe that art has the power to foster empathy and understanding, offering a space where traditional boundaries can be examined and redefined. My goal is to contribute to a broader conversation about gender, identity, and the emotional landscapes that shape our lives.

Through this exploration, I hope to illuminate the shared human experience behind the facade of masculine ideals, inviting a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of what it means to be truly strong.

Education

2020

BA Hons (2:1 Upper Class) Art and Design Practice Degree at Cornwall College

2019

Art & Design Practice Foundation Degree at Cornwall College

 

Exhibitions / Projects

Group Show / Exhibition

2024

‘Hav’ Group show – Off! Building, Newquay

2023

‘Made of sugar are ee’ solo exhibition – Daisy Laing Gallery, Penzance

Cultivator spring show, Truro

Newlyn Society of Artist summer show, Penzance

Open studios – Slow Response, Newquay

2022

Newlyn Society of Artist summer show, Penzance

Solo exhibition- Stones café, Krowji

2021

Pop up exhibition – Slow Response, Newquay

2020

Art & Design Practice Degree Show – Cornwall College

2019

Art & Design Practice Foundation Show – Cornwall College

2017

The Frida Experiment- Studio 10

2016

Drawing a Presence – Newlyn Art Gallery

 

Profile Photo
Max Whetter Instagram.com/maxwhetter

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