# Male Muse Portraitures Men by Nir Arieli is Captured Through a Softened Perspective By Meghan Young | Published 2013-08-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/men-by-nir-arieli References: [itsnicethat](http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/nir-arieli) & [nirarieli](http://www.nirarieli.com/) Men by Nir Arieli, a photographer based in New York City, captures the tougher sex in a fairer light. While women are more often than not cast as the muse of artists around the world, this photographer has decided to shift the focus in order to showcase a different perspective in just as arresting a way. By defying [traditional gender norms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tough-guys-soft-sweaters), it also embraces modern times. The soft gaze of the lens lends Men by Nir Arieli a sensitive tone often associated with women. With 'beauty and gracefulness' at the centre of his work, as he points out on his website, there is nevertheless a well of sad emotion as though he has never been able to fully do away with his military background. For more of his work, check out his [dancer series](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tension-by-nir-arieli). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gender Role Reversal:** Challenging traditional gender norms in art and photography by showcasing men as muses. - **Emotional Masculinity:** Exploring the softer and more vulnerable aspects of masculinity through photography. - **Artistic Perspective Shift:** Shifting the focus from women as muses to men in order to provide a fresh and captivating perspective. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** Opportunity for artists and photographers to challenge gender norms and explore new perspectives. - **Photography:** The chance for photographers to capture the deeper emotions and vulnerability of masculinity through a softened lens. - **Fashion:** Fashion industry can embrace a more diverse representation of gender by featuring men as muses and challenging traditional norms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Gendered Concept-Exploring Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-casa-dentro.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Subtly Sweet Unisex Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muse-by-ysl.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Redefined Masculinity Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tough-guys-soft-sweaters.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md)