Capturing Male Vulnerability: An Interview with Photographer Alina Bobrova
© Alina Bobrova
Text by Oman Morí and Alina Bobrova
Images: Alina Bobrova
In modern societies, men have long faced the subversive pressure to prove their masculinity while suppressing their emotions, vulnerabilities, and fears. This societal expectation often leads to a culture centered around violence as a means of relating to the world. Alina Bobrova, New York City photographer and visual artist aims to challenge this patriarchal issue by creating a safe space through her photography, allowing men to embrace vulnerability and connect with their emotions.
© Alina Bobrova
© Alina Bobrova
Bobrova's vision is to shed light on the beauty and suffering that coexist in people's lives, addressing the deeply rooted misery that has affected cultures for generations. Her recent project, "Poisonous Soil," delves into the notion of masculinity and examines the scars of transgenerational misery within patriarchal societies. By collaborating with young adults during pivotal moments in their lives across the U.S. and Kazakhstan, Bobrova captures images that portray vulnerable states of shame, surrender, isolation, and fear.
"The way violence is passed on to boys and what is praised and encouraged needs to be addressed," asserts Bobrova. She believes that violence and dominance are learned behaviors through socialization rather than innate traits of boys at birth. The title of her project, "Poisonous Soil," metaphorically represents child-rearing, where toxic experiences during childhood can lead to detrimental consequences in adulthood. Bobrova emphasizes the importance of preventing the perpetuation of violence and manipulation.
© Alina Bobrova
© Alina Bobrova
Her goal is to compile her work into a photo book to raise international awareness of this widespread issue and spark conversations. She envisions a world where violence and manipulation are replaced by connection and empathy. Addressing intersectional oppression at its root is crucial, and she believes that creating a connected world will provide a better environment for children to thrive in.
© Alina Bobrova
Alina Bobrova is not only a fine art photographer but also a multidisciplinary artist based in both New York, United States, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her diverse artistic practice spans across various media, including photography, video, sculpture, set construction, poetry, performance, and printmaking. Through her work, she explores themes of gender justice and focuses on representing underrepresented groups of people. In all her artwork, her subjects play an interactive and interconnected role, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity. Bobrova holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design, which she completed in 2021, and in 2023, she attained her One Year Certificate in Creative Practices from the International Center of Photography. Alina Bobrova's photography offers an exploration of male vulnerability, urging society to break free from harmful stereotypes and embrace compassion and understanding. Through her work, she invites us to participate in a conversation about the urgent need for change and to foster a world where all individuals can flourish, irrespective of gender or background.
To learn more, visit Alina Bobrova’s website.
