Boys in the Making: Empowering Youth Through Creative Reflection

From the windows of the NCAD Gallery in Dublin, a series of life-size pencil-drawn boys stare out onto Thomas Street. These figures are not typical. Created by small groups of boys and young men aged seven to eighteen, working alongside youth workers and artists, “Boys in the Making” is a powerful project that explores the complexities of modern masculinity. Each boy in the gallery represents the collective thoughts and experiences of the young creators, offering a unique and insightful glimpse into their world.

The Making of a Character

Seventeen-year-old Sean Brophy points to one of the figures, named Joey. “The boy that we made is called ‘Joey,'” he says. Joey wears a trendy tracksuit and a hat, embodying a style choice that resonated within the group. Sean explains, “It was me and another fellow who gave him the tracksuit because at the time, everyone was wearing it. Another lad gave him the cap which represents his style. The whole character is just our thoughts and some of our styles put into one.”

Reece Wosser, fifteen, adds, “We were given the task to create a boy, an average young fellow from today – what his life would be, how we think it should be. We were asked questions and had to give our own answers and opinions. The artist Aaron Sunderland Carey would then compile everything we said to create the character. In the end, it was perfect.” Reece’s group created a boy named Decco, who is holding a bike and wearing a Canada Goose body warmer. Decco’s image and style are a reflection of the sentiments and preferences of the youth involved.

A Project Rooted in Social Exploration

Boys in the Making, initiated in 2018 by artist Dr. Fiona Whelan and Rialto Youth Project’s team leader Dannielle McKenna, is part of a broader project called What Does He Need?, which itself evolved from The Natural History of Hope. This project aimed to explore the life experiences of four generations of women and delved into the themes of male violence and patriarchy.

“Exploring the world that shapes young men is crucial,” says Whelan. “Boys in the Making provides a platform for young people to express themselves, critically think about masculinity, and understand how they are influenced by societal norms. The process is both educational and exploratory, allowing the boys to articulate their thoughts openly and honestly.”

Youth Voices in Art

“They’re not often given the chance to tell their story,” McKenna emphasizes. “Having artists and note-takers in the room ensures their perspectives are captured and validated. They get to reflect on what has been said and consider whether it truly represents their thoughts.” This reflective process encourages deep introspection and understanding among the participants.

Sean and Reece reflect on the project’s impact. “It was like we took a little piece of ourselves and put them into this one character. So he feels like he represents us,” Sean says. Reece adds, “It was nice to hear what other people thought. It made us realize that everyone has their own dreams and aspirations, regardless of how they look on the outside.”

Themes of Masculinity

Throughout the project, recurring themes such as care, friendship, love, violence, and vulnerability emerge. Dr. Whelan highlights the boys’ ability to articulate complex concepts like the performance of masculinity clearly and thoughtfully. Their discussions extend to topics such as sexuality, gendered identity, and social conditioning.

Mckenna notes the significance of names and personal details in the characters’ creation. “It’s amazing to hear their thought processes. They consider everything, from a boy’s name to his family background. Young people know a lot more than we often give them credit for,” she says. This level of engagement underscores the depth of their understanding and the importance of their insights.

Legacy and Expansion

The project, which includes nineteen “boys,” has been presented in various forms, including videos, visual art, music, and literature. Plans are underway to expand its reach to the UK through collaboration with the social and collaborative arts agency Heart of Glass. The goal is to develop learning resources and ethical methodologies for the project’s continued growth and impact.

Participants like Tyler Hogan and Pearse Higgins are revisiting their creations to update and evolve the characters further. “We’ve been asking ourselves, ‘Is this still the story we want to tell?’ ” Tyler says. “Decco, our character, is not just a story. He’s something living and evolving, just like all of us.”

The Impact of Decco

Ultimately, they have something to say to the world. It’s not just an educational process [for the boys]. You’re hoping there’ll be a wider dialogue around formations of masculinity

— Dr. Fiona Whelan

Decco’s story continues to evolve, reflecting the changing experiences and reflections of the young creators. Tyler and Pearse discuss topics ranging from family dynamics to personal struggles. “Decco’s situation is something we believe could happen to any boy growing up in a similar environment,” Pearse says.

“These boys feel connected to Decco because he symbolizes different aspects of their lives,” Tyler notes. “When we were kids, we dreamed of being superheroes. Now, we’ve created something real. Decco exists almost as a representation of us.”

Broader Implications

Boys in the Making isn’t just an educational tool for the participants; it serves to spark conversation and awareness in wider society. “This project encourages us to listen to young people, understand them, and validate their experiences,” Whelan says. “By doing so, we can contribute to a more informed and empathetic society. Young people have important viewpoints, and this project helps to shine a light on them.”

Mckenna agrees, stating, “Young people know more than we give them credit for. They often feel their voices are silenced or dismissed. Projects like Boys in the Making empower them to speak up and be heard.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Boys in the Making is a remarkable example of how art and community engagement can lead to meaningful change. By providing a platform for young men to explore their identities and express themselves freely, this project fosters deeper understanding and empathy. As the methodology behind Boys in the Making evolves, it holds the potential to inspire similar initiatives around the world.

The impact of Boys in the Making is not limited to the gallery. It extends into the lives of the participants and the broader community, encouraging dialogue and awareness. “This project is more than just art,” Tyler says. “It’s about understanding each other. It’s about recognizing that everyone has their own story and struggles, and that’s okay.”

As the project continues to grow and expand, it serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and empowering the voices of young people. The gallery exhibits the final pieces of this project until February 14th, inviting visitors to engage with the stories of these young men and their powerful interpretations of modern masculinity.

If you’ve been inspired by Boys in the Making, consider sharing your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. This project, with its deep community engagement, reminds us of the power of youth voices and the importance of fostering open dialogue about issues that affect us all.

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