Armin Scheid
I've always been fascinated by the combination of “men and flowers”: On the one hand it counteracts the common notion that flowers are more likely to be attributed to women and on the other, it references to the still urging question of how to balance our relationship with nature as societies.
Is it openness, fragility or even injury? Is it just a common sense depiction of beauty? Is it wholeness - despite of all the fragmentation going on? Is it fierceness, is it softness? Is it bound in nature or is it the exploitation of nature?
In the „Oleander Darling“ series young men can be recognized, slim and slightly muscular and somehow in line with one of todays ideals of beauty. What is atypical however is the obvious pleasure to dissolve in and to become a part of nature. Also reinforced by the sparse clothing and the harness, which can be classified as a sexual fetish.
To speak frankly: The common opinion is that men should not be tender! Men are expected to defend and protect. A delicate physiognomy and tender behaviors are not only perceived as unmanly, but also as an imposition, as a threat to masculinity and are often aggressively persecuted and suppressed.
Despite the fact that there are obviously times where we’re urged to defend us against agressions -respectivley where we have to show we’re able to do so: Humanity and especially masculinity is so much more than just flight and fight modus, its caring for each other as individuals and as society.
I see my "Oleander Darlings" as resonating instruments; like amplifiers of these urging questions while remaining playful. Despite all that self-determination they are carried by a tender kindness for our vulnerability and for our imperfection and maybe therefore they are able to touch us.
