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© Yves de Brabander. All rights reserved

SELF-CASTRATION
A mutilated selfportrait

ANTWERP, 2023

Doubled inkjet, laserprint, pigment and
varnish on Hahnemuhle Bamboo.

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 Growing up in the mid-’90s, I witnessed a transformation in the world where attitudes towards sexuality and the exposed male form became more liberal and normalized. However, this shift took a turn when social media norms and regulations began to impose restrictions and change the landscape once again.

 Suddenly, I felt constrained by the rules and taboos of online platforms, which were preventing me to express myself freely or showcase my art.

 In response, I embarked on a journey to reclaim my freedom. I coined the term "self-castration" to describe how I intentionally dismantle and reshape my self-portraits and artworks that represent me, often through physical alterations like cutting or tearing.

 This quest for freedom drove me to create this self-portrait, where I boldly take control to break free from societal norms and online expectations. Through nudity, I symbolize my newfound liberation, showcasing both vulnerability and authenticity.

 With this artwork, I assert my autonomy and explore the complexities of identity, self-expression, and the boundaries of societal acceptance. It stands as a testament to breaking free from the confines of online norms, inspiring viewers to engage in a deeper dialogue about the human body, artistic expression, and the desires that drive us to create.