This portrait is part of amini-series of 4 portraits I did, each depicting the fragility of the modern idea of masculinity.

Each piece in this series features four distinct visual dynamics. 1) A moustache as a symbol of masculinity, 2) a failed, melancholic gaze with half-closed eyes, 3) a varying level of sexual objectification 4) and a dimension of time.

Wherever you live, one of the most traumatising perks of being a gay person is your constant battle with the idea of masculinity.

As with many of the most pressing questions in life, you end up in a love-hate relationship with whatever that word seems to capture.

There's a reason why so many gay people populate gyms. As the notion of masculinity transforms, it transforms our needs and desires too. And it is this dynamic that I am after.

This piece in the mini series might be the one with the most obvious poke at the modern notion of masculinity. The sultan is the ultimate symbol of patriarchy in Turkish culture. As cultures transform so do the people living within them.  On this artwork I depicted the sultan with multiple more than subtle cues to reflect this slow but steady change. Can you spot them?