Drawings by Frida Chen depict the sadness and sarcasm of masculinity

Originally from China but now based between Berlin and Hamburg, Frida has an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. As well as working as an illustrator, she is also a fashion art director, stylist and graphic designer.

Posting online under the name Fetishized Matrix, Frida's digital and crayon studies of masculinity started during the 2020 lockdowns. Taking their inspiration from contemporary pornography, these drawings see two straight friends masturbating together, a chubby man studying himself in the mirror, and 'fat daddies' cuddling up to one another.

"I noticed that porn has always been focusing on capturing female bodies and facial expressions, which are a way of objectifying women," says Frida. "Therefore, I try to stand from a woman's perspective, objectifying and observing men's bodies and emotions. My work shows not only toxic masculinity but also the emotion, vulnerability and sadness of men."

The striking illustrations make a strong impression thanks to their bold colours and sexual subject matter. However, the yawning sadness of modern masculinity, which simmers beneath the surface, only enhances their effect. This can be seen in a piece titled 'Everyone's a victim' where a fat man sees a skinnier reflection in the mirror, communicating that ideals of beauty and body dysmorphia are a prison that can age men and women alike.

Other, more ambiguous messages can be seen in the presence of flowers. Not traditionally a symbol of masculinity, floral motifs can be found growing out of characters' backs, in the place of penises and tap heads, and even on computer screens in place of pornography. It's a clever symbol that invites the viewer to form their own meanings and connections.

The full collection of Frida's illustrations can be found on her Fetishized Matrix site, where the delights and despair of phallic floral fornication await you.