Lithuanian photographer captures young men's reaction to conscription

A Lithuanian photographer has released 14 portraits of young men reacting to the government's decision to reinstate conscription. The project is called They Won the Lottery.

In the photos, the men wear a military uniform and are crying. Photographer Neringa Rekasiute, 26, says the tears on the men's face are meant to challenge notions of masculinity in the country.

"We wanted to say that there is nothing wrong with crying," she tells As it Happens co-host Carol Off. "It is masculine."

Earlier this year, the government reintroduced compulsory military service. This comes after the policy was abolished in 2008. Starting September, men aged 19 to 27 will be called up to the military, serving nine months each. It comes at a time when tensions are high between Baltic countries and their neighbour, Russia.

Response to the series of portraits has been "basically negative," says Rekasiute, with many criticizing the men for being cry-babies or cowards.

"Because we took such a political and sensitive issue, it escalated really quickly," she says.

Rekasiute, however, sees the reaction positively.

"Art is meant to question things and challenge status quo and I think we achieved it."

To hear more about the project and how she made the soldier's cry, take a listen to our interview.

Below are the rest of the pictures from Rekasiute's project: