Gold Coast-based artist Eimhin (pronounced Ev-an) is using his platform to espouse changing attitudes towards gender fluidity to turn the tide against prevailing toxic masculinity sensibilities.
After many years performing in bands across the punk rock, hardcore, glam and emo spheres, Eimhin has recalibrated his artistic senses to embrace a move towards ethereal indie folk-rock sounds (that harken back to his Irish folk heritage), which have been known to make boys (and girls) cry.His latest release is the delicately poignant 'She Met My Eyes', the follow-up to his solo debut earlier this year titled 'Lately'.
"It's about the liminal period in a relationship when you're still in denial that things are falling apart," Eimhin says of 'She Met My Eyes'.
"Instead of facing the truth you find yourself placating each other, you still say 'I love you' but it doesn't feel the same in your heart.
"You're still planning for the future, but that future is no longer a reality, at least not with one another."
Eimhin launches 'She Met My Eyes' at Dust Temple (Gold Coast) on 18 November.
Taking the lead of Virgin Prunes, David Bowie and more recently Harry Styles, Eimhin is embracing his divine femininity through gender non-conforming fashion and vulnerable songwriting.
"Ok, so I've had this wild awakening recently that came out of breaking up with my girlfriend and having to move back to the Gold Coast at the peak of the pandemic when my dad was unwell," shares Eimhin.
"I realised that I've been living a sort of half-life; I always thought I was a compassionate person and that I believed in a society where everyone deserves to feel safe and happy and all that, I just don't think I ever really did anything about it.
"I was feeling really lost when I started work on this album, I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to wear a dress for a photoshoot; I don't even know where the feeling came from, it was just something I wanted to do all of a sudden. She lit up and sent me a bunch of links including a talk by Alok Vaid-Menon."
Here, Eimhin shares five figures, including Alok, who have inspired his own journey to be an active solution to the prevailing toxic masculinity that's being tackled by a broadening mainstream consciousness.
Alok Vaid Menon
Alok is an acclaimed author, poet, and public speaker. Their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition. I remember watching this video and just getting absolutely floored.I was in this dark place and I was suddenly so inspired to get up and do something. I guess it seems sort of arbitrary for me to choose the gender binary as the specific thing that needs dismantling first. . . there are so many other pressing issues that need our attention.
I just have this broader view that toxic masculinity is holding us all back and it's a good place to start. Unless everyone is safe and happy then nobody is. Right?!
Harry Garside
Harry is an Australian boxer. He came on to my radar when I was watching 'The Project' with my dad one evening. He was on the show talking about competing in the Olympics as a lightweight.During the interview one of the presenters noticed his nails were painted; he said something along the lines of 'oh yeah I think it looks cool, also, I almost wore a dress to the opening ceremony because people should be able to wear whatever they want'.
I'd been wearing dresses around town for a few months by that point and my dad is super chill and all but for the first time he looked at me and sort of understood what I was trying to do. He didn't say anything, but we high-fived. It was a really special moment.
Billy Porter (Oscars 2019)
When I first started to explore feminine looks I did a bit of googling and found this picture of Billy Porter at the 2019 Oscars in his now infamous tuxedo dress.I think I've seen about 12 movies in total in my whole life, so I wasn't familiar with his work (sorry everyone) but goddamn I loved this dress! It was the perfect combo of classic cool guy on top and super extra ball gown on the bottom!
David Ross Lawn
A friend of mine sent me a link to his profile with a little message that said 'this guy reminds me of you!' haha! I'm a big fan of David's fashion because it's got a sort of cottage-core vibe to it.I personally enjoy a solid shoulder look with a flowing feminine silhouette at the bottom, so I've taken a lot of inspiration from him recently. His content is really interesting too. It's mainly out-in-the-world fit checks.
Polina Osipova
She's not exactly known for breaking down any gender stereotypes, but I'm a big fan of Polina Osipovas work. She makes a whole bunch of kooky contraptions, but her most interesting work is in the traditional Chuvash ethnic costume that she makes.She also makes cool stuff like suits of armour made out of chain mail and family photos. As well as being a really great artist, she's got really strong ties to her ethnic roots and she showcases that with the clothes that she makes. I think it's really sweet.
