'Masculinidad' Through a Softer Lens
During Viveros' middle adolescence, photography presented itself as an accessible medium to connect with the world around him. "My family would buy disposable cameras for the family, and I would take those cameras and take pictures. I would get in trouble for this, but this eventually all grew into a passion for me that I could simply not ignore," Viveros recounts. Building upon years of experimenting with film cameras, the Los Angeles-based artist created a distinct visual language that speaks to his culture, aesthetic values, and strong POV.
Over various coffee meet-ups and long conversations, Viveros pieced together his intentions as an image-maker, ultimately providing the foundation for his most ambitious project to date. 'Masculinidad' synthesizes his artistic ambitions of creating beautiful images with explorations of his identity. This series became actualized through a lifelong confrontation with his masculinity tied with the acceptance of his queer sexuality within a Latine cultural context. Navigating these internal thoughts led the Mexican-American photographer to employ his film camera to provide nuance to a rather binary understanding of expression. "Being a first-generation individual, it was interesting having to independently navigate through different experiences and emotions," Viveros recollects. "I did not have anyone to help me navigate through it, which is why all the information I obtained was through the media and friends. My goal is to authentically depict the essence of men in their everyday lives and private settings in hopes that others can relate and navigate finding their identity."
From nude portraiture, capturing the soft slopes of a back, to gazes outside the frame, each model possesses an intimacy and vulnerability that appears worlds away from traditional masculine qualities like aggression, toughness, and emotional suppression. In one image, a nude tattooed subject is sprawled out across a boulder swathed in a cool tone, offering a glance back at the camera–an act of tenderness. In another, a model bares themself to the camera straight on, where full frontal meets the eye of the viewer–disarmed. The raw approach and minimal production affirm the intentionality behind the series–where real people shed themselves from conventions and social pressure. "I love shooting people who don't really have experience modeling; capturing someone being their true self is the most authentic way I like to capture photos," Viveros notes.
In conversation with not only the observing eye, but the subjects also act as one part of a whole environment, where the setting directly informs their ability to be vulnerable–a silent dialogue contextualizing the entire series. "Some models preferred the outdoors, and others in the comfort of their own homes," the visual artist expresses. "The models that were outdoors trusted my team and me, and for that, I am forever grateful. The models that allowed us in their homes felt most comfortable there, and I was very adamant about the models' comfort." Backdropped by linen curtains, white walls, and nature, 'Masculinidad' directly opposes typical scenes of burly men in workshops, garages, and inside cars. While conversations around masculinity have become more prevalent among younger generations, specifically in a Western context, power dynamics, and gendered expectations still define many cultures, specifically Latin culture, where the needle is moving ever so slightly. Although these cultural norms persist, it's important to envision a world where identity and expression are more fluid– one image and one conversation at a time.
On November 18th in Los Angeles, Viveros presents his complete series 'Masculinidad' in exhibition form, accompanied by an independently created zine.
Check out select images from his photo series below, and catch the complete show on November 18th.
