Macho – The Mask of Masculinity at DC Arts Center

Pomp by Damon Arhos

Macho – The Mask of Masculinity | DC Arts Center
April 28 – May 28, 2017 in Washington, DC
Opening Reception: 7-9pm on Friday, April 28

“Macho” takes as its point of departure recent debates about the role of men in contemporary society. As exhibition curators began exploring ideas for this exhibition, they continuously came across examples of work showcasing people who were “projecting” an air of strength and masculinity rather than openly revealing their authentic male selves. These artists all react, in their own ways, to the promulgated notion that “masculinity” itself is not a trait that simply exists, but rather one that needs to be worn like a mask. Masks of real and imaginary uniforms, physical poses and symbolic props, aid the figures in projecting this shroud of self-aggrandizement. The concept reaches far beyond the limits of a single exhibition, but we present this provocative group of artists making engaging, surprising and challenging art around this subject as a means of furthering the existing dialogue, exposing both the disturbing and comical evocations of our title to engage with the conflicting realities of post-modern manhood.

Participating artists include: Damon Arhos, Larry Cooke, Michael Corigliano, Joseph Daniel, Timothy Johnson, Mark Newport, Robert O’Leary, Katie Warren, and Dawn Whitmore.

Gallery hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 2-7pm.

DC Arts Center, 2438 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
dcartscenter.org