In a world where old ideas of masculinity are cracking and new ones are still finding their form, Shan Paul Evangelista steps into the space between—chisel in hand, heart wide open.
His thesis exhibition, Thysia, isn’t just a series of sculptures. It’s an act of confrontation. A conversation between past and future, toughness and tenderness, expectations and authenticity.
“I was inspired to explore the concept of manhood because I see how the traditional ideas of what it means to be a man are fading,” Shan shares. “We’re living in a time where the rules are changing, and that’s both confusing and powerful.”
Growing up in this evolving landscape, Shan didn’t want to merely observe it—he wanted to understand it, challenge it, and maybe, even help reshape it. In his sculptures, masculinity isn’t a fixed idea; it’s fragmented, textured, struggling under the weight of both history and hope.
Each figure in Thysia carries this weight visibly. Coated in rough, uneven textures, the sculptures feel raw and vulnerable, yet stubbornly upright. They speak of battles fought silently, of strength found not in posturing, but in perseverance.
“The textured surfaces symbolize the overwhelming obstacles surrounding a man,” Shan explains. “But despite that, the expressions of the figures reflect resilience and hope.”
He doesn’t leave emotion to chance either. By placing light strategically beneath the sculptures, he amplifies the drama—throwing deep shadows and sharp highlights across every fractured plane, making the struggle within each figure impossible to ignore.
Standing before Thysia is like standing before a mirror for modern manhood, reflecting not just who men are, but who they are becoming.
“I hope it sparks reflection about what masculinity should mean today,” Shan says. “That emotional intelligence, empathy, acceptance of reality—these are strengths too. We need to move beyond the stereotypes.”
For Shan, redefining manhood isn’t about suppressing other identities or clinging to outdated roles. It’s about creating space for courage, responsibility, leadership, strength—and vulnerability—to coexist. It’s about choosing authenticity over performance.
And that choice, he believes, can ripple outward, shaping communities and relationships in ways that honor everyone’s humanity.
“Discovering the concept of man in this generation is important,” Shan says thoughtfully. “Because it’s not just about men—it’s about creating a better, more inclusive world for everyone.”
In Thysia, Shan doesn’t give us easy answers. Instead, he hands us the pieces—and invites us to build a better understanding, together.