The concept of masculinity is evolving—and rightly so. The traditional image of the strong, unshakable man is beginning to crack. And yet, perhaps because of this, it is more fiercely defended than ever. But how are these perceptions of masculinity formed?

This body of work explores the social forces that shape our view of traditional male stereotypes. It draws on the claustrophobic tension that arises when one feels pressured to live up to rigid ideals of manhood.

“Through visual disruption and a radical visual language, I challenge the directness of photography. I don’t aim to tell a literal story, but rather reduce the image to its metaphorical and emotional core. This approach allows me to express a world of feeling—a personal truth that many men struggle to articulate,”— says the artist.

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Elliott Kreyenberg lives and works in Berlin. He graduated from the Ostkreuz School of Photography in 2024, where he studied under Irina Ruppert, Marit Hermann, and Ute Mahler. His work blends documentary methods with an artistic visual language to explore and express emotional states. Currently, his focus lies on images of masculinity—and how these are shaped, reinforced, or questioned by society.His first photobook, Something Was Missing Within, will be published by WittyBooks in October 2025.