PINK breaks stereotypes

Armenian society can be described as a patriarchal one and men are viewed here as powerful and leading figure. Masculinity has exact shapes and perception and it is highly important to fit into this frames.

This is the core reason that “Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO decided to start “Masculinity: breaking stereotypes” project. We started this project on 29 of June, 2009. Within the framework of this project we organize trainings, group discussions and film watching activities about gender issues, perceptions, gender roles and stereotypes concerning masculinity in our society.

In the project we planned to organize an exhibition which would have the same logo as the project, that is “Masculinity: breaking stereotypes” and it took place on 17 of October at Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography.

Both professional artists and non professionals took part in the exhibition where they presented their perceptions about how the “real man” should be and which are the main stereotypes that exist in our reality. Participants were from Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Slovakia and USA.

During the exhibition the artists presented photos, graphic and ceramic art works, paintings and also short movies. The art works related to different spheres where stereotypes of masculinity are emphasized and appear to be an obstacle in daily life. In their works participants captured ideas about how man can be masculine and implement different roles that are not supposed to be done by an Armenian man, how understanding of who can touch whom, how and why disturb doctors in their work, harmony between men and women and how it is important to value sameness and not differences and etc.

The exhibition started with the presentation of the current project of the organization and after that 2 short movies were shown. Performance of art works was presented for the guests with the explanation of artists. Guests were asked to vote for the best art works and the 3 winners were granted according to the votes received from them and professional jury.Those who weren’t present at the exhibition will have a chance to see the electronic version of it in “Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO’s official website or can visit organization’s “Information, Education, Communication” office where the works will be presented during October 23 – 31, 2009.