Sahal Kamil

Toxic masculinity

2026

Medium
Ballpoint on paper
Size
22 × 21 cm (8.7 × 8.3 in)Unframed dimensions
Available

Rp 800.000US$ 45

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This phrase has been passed down for generations, leaving many men without a safe space to express their sadness. Tears are often seen as a sign of weakness, while silence is mistaken for strength.

This work portrays a man crying in the rain. The rain is not merely a backdrop, but a symbol of refuge. Beneath its downpour, tears become indistinguishable, while the roar of the rain conceals the sobs and screams that have long been suppressed.

Illuminated against a dark background, the figure represents emotional wounds that often remain unseen, yet are no less real. He is not seeking sympathy, but a place where he can process his emotions without fearing the loss of dignity that society often associates with vulnerability.

This work challenges conventional notions of masculinity. Perhaps true strength does not lie in the ability to hold back tears, but in the courage to acknowledge that men, too, can feel pain and experience vulnerability.

Toxic masculinity