DOCUMENTARY: Men Between Mountains: Masculinity in Georgia. Photography by Ian McNaught Davis, @ianmc0davis

Ian McNaught Davis long-term photography project explores facets of masculinity in the post-Soviet republic of Georgia.

Wedged amongst the rugged and formidable Caucuses Mountains, Georgia lies at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Because of its explosive location, it has clashed with empires for centuries, including the Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Khazars, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and Russians.

He is interested in photographing moments that reflect manhood in a battle-hardened society that finds itself in a state of limbo – when warriors have no wars to fight – and the shift in gender roles that war can leave in its wake.

Georgia it finds itself in fascinating time of transition. Paradoxes and contradictions abound in this small country. Secular attitudes collide with the dogma of the Orthodox Christian Church, and city-dwellers must negotiate their paternalistic family loyalties and traditions rooted in the countryside and villages.

For him, its political and ideological landscapes seem apt locations to explore the murkiness and complexities of masculinity.

His work can be viewed at www.ianmcnaughtdavis.com

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