Holding the Masc: Masculine Expression Through a Queer Lens

Holding the Masc: Masculine Expression Through a Queer Lens is the debut solo photography exhibition from emerging trans-masc photographer Ash Giblin. He explores the act of ‘reshaping’ – our bodies, our identities, and the cultural narratives that define masculinity.

Holding the Masc challenges binary representation and toxic masculine ideas through photographic portraiture, text and multimedia, by shining a light on tenderness, transformation and self-authorship. Each piece is a declaration that trans-masculine people are not only valid, but vital in reshaping what manhood can look and feel like through lived experience.

More than an exhibition, this is a love letter to the trans-masc community, an intervention in cultural visibility, and an invitation for all audiences to imagine masculinity in a different light, with artwork available as a 2027 calendar and all proceeds going to Transgender Victoria.

Presented by The City of Melbourne, through their Annual Arts Grants program.