PHOTOS: This “Sexy Ken” photo series is about breaking down plastic gay stereotypes
Courtney Charles is a New York-based artist and photographer whose goal is to “infuse the world with color and visions of the future.”His new “Sexy Ken” series is all about breaking down gay stereotypes and traditional notions of masculinity.“With the Ken series, I hope to show that there isn’t just one common ideal for the modern man,” Charles tells Out. “Regardless of who you are, you can still be the ‘plastic-perfect’ version of yourself.”Related: That time Mattel made a gay Ken doll then freaked out when everyone else freaked outFor the series, Charles took pictures of men then airbrushed away their nipples, crotches, and any imperfections to give them a glossy, glass-like doll appearance.“Breaking down stereotypes has been a major factor in choosing the proper Ken theme,” he explains. “A black astronaut, an Asian cowboy, etc.
For other Ken models, it has been a matter of embracing what one may consider a stereotype.”Scroll down for a sampling of the “Sexy Ken” series… Olympic Gymnast Ken (@jackm589) got TENS, TENS, TENS ACROSS THE BOARD! ? . . . . . . #ken #doll #barbie #plastic #pink #model #malemodel #photooftheday #mcm #mancrushmonday #hotmen #fitness #muscle #workoutmotivation #chestday #gay #instagay #queer #lgbt #sports #olympics #gymnastics #gymnast #gold #goldmedal #first #teamusaA post shared by Courtney Charles (@mrcourtneycharles) on Splish splash he’s takin’ a bath. @julian_woodhouse is ready to blow some bubbles as Bath Time Ken for my Ken doll series. ?? ? #LifeInPlastic A reminder that I can make you a Ken too for $225. ?? . . . . . . #ken #doll #barbie #plastic #pink #fashion #model #malemodel #photooftheday #mcm #mancrushmonday #hotmen #fitness #muscle #abs #workoutmotivation #nyc #chestday #gay.