‘Memories of Dust’ is a long-term project documenting traditional masculinity in my home state of Texas. I examine the cowboy, a classic male icon shaped by visual media, and its influence in society today. In a post #MeToo era, it is necessary to revisit hegemonic male representations, to generate meaningful discussions about the evolving role of masculinity.
The cowboy has long been a symbol of North America. The role model I grew up with continues to represent the concept of the ‘real man’. Not only has the myth of the cowboy helped construct a male ideal in the USA, but it also influenced how masculinity is expressed in Europe.
Visiting the ranching community in Texas, I play with visual tropes of masculinity and rethink the myth of the cowboy within a fast-changing landscape. I try to help reshape a modern idea of hegemonic masculinity that could be more positive for society.
(Alex Bex)
Alex Bex is a French-Texan photographer. He currently lives in Berlin where he studied Fine Art Photography at the Neue Schule für Fotografie. His work delves into the impact of popular visual media on traditional representations; particularly the subject of masculinity and how it is socially constructed. Through his photography, he engages with cultural biases he was brought up with, in order to study or challenge them.
Frequently involved in the movie and music scenes, Alex has had the opportunity to work as a set photographer on various film projects, and to portray installed artists for press and artwork purposes. These experiences have helped develop his interest in the power and intricacies of media representation within his
artistic practice.
Instagram: @ALXBX
web: www.alexbex.com
