MASC

: o corpo masculino e a masculinidade na fotografia gay

Abstract

This dissertation is a theoretical basis that supports the photographic series MASC. The theme of this dissertation and the series is the representation of masculinity and the male body within the homosexual community. In order to investigate it, the concepts of masculinity and homosexuality are studied, how they have evolved throughout history and how their solidity in society has demanded that gay men conform to certain rigid parameters, which results in a kind of oppressive mentality that takes gay man as oppressor and oppressed, caused by an anxiety resulting from gender non-conformity that comes from childhood. It explores the work of homosexual photographers who have also addressed these themes, such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Hujar and Paul Mpagi Sepuya. Finally, the photographic series MASC is presented and compared with the previously mentioned artists, seeking to question what is performative in the masculinity of the gay man and to question this demand for identification and conformation to which the gay man is subject.

Date of Award	14 Sept 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Crespo (Supervisor)