Gym Culture

Body of work examining gym culture and modern masculinity through the history of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and cross-cultural coming-of-age rituals. Founded in 1844 in industrial London, the YMCA was set up as a space for young men, facing harsh working and living conditions, to improve their spiritual and physical health within community. As well as inventing basketball and volleyball, they also started the first indoor public gyms and exercise programmes, precursors to modern gyms and fitness classes.

This links to my previous body of work on the Chinese Labour Corps, where the YMCA played a key role in teaching English, organising sports, and hosting performances in camps across Europe.