QV’s No Vacancy Gallery explored the complex relationship between toxic masculinity, self-repression and social expectations last month, with a thought-provoking exhibition, This Is Your Fault.

The exhibition reflected on the personal experiences of artist Andy Drewitt.

Drewitt shares candidly about his upbringing in the exhibition’s artistic statement. He described how he grew up silenced and repressed: deeply trapped in the shackles of traditional male stereotypes and was taught to suppress his emotions and hide vulnerabilities. This ultimately led to self-harm and psychological struggle.

"I toyed with suicide," he wrote.

His works not only showed his mental journey but also encouraged the audience to reflect on mainstream society's expectations of men and women in contemporary life.

Art lover Daniel Lawson said the exhibition prompted him to reflect carefully.

"Drewitt's work made me remember many of my male friends, they were forced to hide their emotions when they were growing up," Lawson said. "This exhibition makes me rethink how we should support each other."

Kitty Chen, a visitor from China, said that to her, the exhibition was not just about masculinity, but also about how society at large views the expression of emotions.

"No matter the gender, everyone faces the problem of emotional stress. I hope to see more artworks like this to break these taboo topics," Chen said.

The exhibition offered an immersive thinking space for the audience, inviting individuals to explore self-identity, social and cultural influences, and how to break gender boundaries.

Drewitt hopes his work will not only resonate but also drive conversation and help people continue to more openly express their emotions.