The essence of Men dulls down to boyhood and the silly experiences of universal childhood and youth. In this series of paintings, Germaine Chan explores the essence of masculinity through the lens of youthful folly, where innocence, recklessness, and vulnerability take center stage. By returning to moments of foolishness, poor decision-making, and the absurd ideas we all encounter in youth, she deconstructs the rigid and often performative ideals of manhood.

Chan intends to create a space for engagement with individual biases and experiences, inviting viewers to consider the fluidity of identity and the universality of these awkward, often humorous moments. She invites her audience to ‘just have fun with it’.