Calder MacKay

In the tapestry of masculinity, men exist along a spectrum, where tenderness and violence sit at opposite ends. My familial lineage traces a journey across generations of masculinity. Each shaped by outdated ideologies of manhood— few retained, others discarded. While some embody harshness, others exemplify warmth, while many grapple with their imperfections, I hope to acknowledge my ongoing growth. Some of these men I’m a stranger to, yet their influence is acutely felt, trickling down to a son I don’t yet know, hopefully he’s better yet.

Currently, my painting practice lies in examining the dynamics between men and women, and how societal constructs of masculinity influence how we view such relationships. By interweaving family histories, I attempt to deconstruct my own experiences of generational masculines. How the male is viewed, being the open-ended question I’m still trying to answer. I want to question these preconceived male narratives. Learning from traditional expressions of the masculine to form a new masculine. Discarding all masculinities of harm and holding onto its potential for compassion. As I look inwardly, there is still a lot yet to see. The man is what you make of him, these men are what made me.