MASCULAR 

History surrounds us, it provides the context in which we live, determines the ways we express ourselves, engage with one another and the world around us. Photography in particular is intrinsincly linked to history. After all, the process consists of capturing the light coming off any given subject at a specific moment in time. What’s left then might be considered an artifact from that moment in history. Any other artistic medium can also be thought about in the same way. What we do here at Mascular is a kind of historical documentation in some sense, of the artistic expressions of the contributors at what is now the present moment, but will soon be recent, then later, distant history. 

 

There is a rich history to the tradition of men photographing other men, from Willhelm Von Gloeden to George Platt Lynes to Bob Mizer.  Each of these men participated in sharing their work with others of the same ilk, much like we do here. So, for the next issue the team here at Mascular has decided to dedicate our next issue to history and our varied relationships to it. 

 

The theme, much like history itself, is open to interpretation in whatever ways the contributor sees fit. It might be a documentation of a greater, capital H – History, like that of humanity, or art, or culture. Or a more personal lowercase h - history, one of lineage, family or relationships with others or with ourselves. Some may choose to reanact historical events, thinking back to ancient times they wish they lived in. Others could just as easily document themselves every day for a month, or before and after a major life event. Or some might find history embedded in an object like their late father’s work boots.

 

Whatever route you choose, what’s important is that there be some expression of a relationship to history, be it antagonistic or nurturing, your own history or one that inspires you in some way. 

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If you are interested in contributing to Issue No. 38, please download and complete the Submissions Form below, or for more information, feel free to contact MASCULAR Magazine at: submissions@mascularmagazine.com.

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Deadline for submissions is August 7, 2023.