Curator Ernst van Alphen shows how, since the 1960s, the representation of masculinity in visual culture has changed dramatically. With work by: Ina van Zyl (NL/ZA), Natasja Kensmil (NL), Philip Miller (ZA), Marlene Dumas (NL), Jeanette Christensen (NO), Anoud Holleman (NL), Hans Hovy (NL), Nalini Malani (IN) en Artur Zmijewski (PL).
"In short, Pure Love is full of contradictions. It scours and wriggles. The confrontation does not look violent, but sweet and playful. Cuddly and sexy. It is, in an exhibition that is otherwise full of toxic masculinity, quite utopian to see." - Sarah van Binsbergen in De Volkskrant
"In order to better understand how masculinities have been shaped by feelings of shame, the exhibition explores the different manifestations of shame, in intimate relation with its repercussions on masculinity. Since the #MeToo movement, the connection between masculinity and power has been closely monitored. The focus on ‘toxic masculinity’ influences our perception of male sexuality and significantly affects men’s self-image and self-esteem. Men are embarrassed by others and they feel embarrassed too. This exhibition presents contemporary works that address the complexity and contradictions of these socio-cultural constructions and realities and combines a scientific approach with the artistic perspective, personal stories, and conversations." - H401
“If you were to make a diagram of the layers in my work, then shame would be the bottom layer, the foundation on which everything rests and, at the same time, that which is hidden most deeply. I am not talking about a specific shame, but shame in general. Shame is not good or bad - I want to emphasize that ambiguity.” – Ina van Zyl in an interview with Dominic van den Boogerd
