“My work explores gender permissions and the challenges that arise from straying from the prescribed norms. It questions the qualities of gender by considering what constitutes masculine and feminine. It critiques stereotypical gender mediums by creating "masculine objects" using "feminine processes" such as crochet, sewing, and applique.

Many of the the objects I create were inspired by memories of attempts to be masculine. Men I have known spent much of their time in the garage with tools getting greasy and doing the heavy duty lawn work. They watched Sunday afternoon football on their recliners with the remote in hand. One uncle was a body builder, which to me was the physical epitome of masculinity, and the other a hunter, expressing his prowess through killing animals and displaying their heads. And, I distinctly remember longing to be tall enough to use the urinal in the men's restroom like the big guys. By crocheting the objects that are linked to these masculine ideas I am breaking down the barrier of traditional gender permissions. The objects are no longer rough and manly, but soft and inviting. They evoke the feminine. The non-traditional sculpting process of crochet allows me to draw attention to the sources, motivations and meanings around the challenge of defining gender identities.  

My latest work, including a life sized locker room and a series of gas masks, grows from these ideas and takes on issues of vulnerability, intimacy and projecting a persona to the outside world.”

Nathan Vincent lives and works in New York City and received a BFA from the SUNY, Purchase.  His work has exhibited in museums and galleries in the US and has received attention in international publications.  He has been highlighted on several television programs and received an award as a finalist from the West Prize in 2008. 

nathanvincent.com