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• Artist
  Laith McGregor
• Title
  Maturing (still # 6)
• Date of Production
  2007
• Medium
  digital video, 30 minutes duration
• Dimensions
• Credit Details
  edition of 5, copyright Laith McGregor

PROJECT - Laith McGregor

Maturing is a satirical social commentary about masculinity and the absurdity of what popular culture perceives as the definition of masculinity. McGregor uses facial hair as a 'signifier of male authenticity' and proceeds to metamorphose into an ϋber male. Through this process he transforms into various male role models; sportsmen, movie stars and the family father figure. By contorting his face into various expressions, he satirises stereotypes that personify society's ideals of masculinity, including that of the quintessential Australian bogan.

In filming a close-up of his face, McGregor evokes a sense of voyeurism. The intimacy is immediately uncomfortable as the viewer is privy to a personal moment of self exploration and reflection.  The artist examines his face; pouting and contorting, trying on different personas, contemplating as if deciding what character he will become next. Using his face as a blank canvas, he starts to draw facial hair using a pen and begins his transformation into a myriad of male personalities. It is a mesmerising journey of self discovery and an in-your-face mockery of the male - a mockery that resulted in a rash that persisted for three days after the work was completed.