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PHOTOS: A Luke Smalley Retrospective

PHOTOS: A Luke Smalley Retrospective

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Droll, witty, and tensely erotic, Smalley's work takes place in an invented time and space, like one you dreamed of when you were young.

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There is something so enjoyable and likable about Luke Smalley's work, that it only emphasizes the early loss of his talent. Inspired by school athletics and high school yearbook photos, Smalley takes the gay male gaze past the closet-y subterfuges of Bruce Weber and into a more analytic perception of youth, male ritual, and sexuality.

After Smalley died unexpectedly in 2009 at the age of 53, the Smalley Partnership was formed for the purpose of continuing Luke Smalley's photographic legacy. The art gallery ClampArt, in the Chelsea district of New York City, currently represents the efforts of the Smalley Partnership.

ClampArt is currently presenting a retrospective exhibition of photographs by Luke Smalley ongoing until May 9. The show includes examples from Smalley's first black-and-white series, "Gymnasium," in addition to his two color collections--"Exercise at Home" and "Sunday Drive."

ClampArt
531 W. 25th St., Ground Floor, New York City, 10001


Luke-smalley-01_0Laundry, 2008


Luke-smalley-02_0Untitled (Floor Cleaning), 2008

Luke-smalley-03_0Untitled (Tattooing), 2008


Luke-smalley-04_01st Year Anniversary, 2008

Luke-smalley-05_0_0Now What?, 2008


Luke-smalley-06_0Sit-Up, 2007

Luke-smalley-07_0Push Ball, 2007

Luke-smalley-08_0Laps, 2007


Luke-smalley-09_0Tug of War, 2007

Luke-smalley-10_0Boating Instruction, 2007


Luke-smalley-12_0Cyclists, 1996

Luke-smalley-13_0Rowing Machine, 1999

Luke-smalley-14_0Parlor Wrestling, 1996


Luke-smalley-11_0Tug of War, 2000

Luke-smalley-16_0Portrait, 1999

Luke-smalley-17_0Dustin, Rowing Machine I, 1999


Luke-smalley-18_0High School Wrestlers Against Tree, 1993

Luke-smalley-19_0Indian Club I, 1997
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Christopher Harrity

Christopher Harrity is the Manager of Online Production for Here Media, parent company to The Advocate and Out. He enjoys assembling online features on artists and photographers, and you can often find him poring over the mouldering archives of the magazines.
Christopher Harrity is the Manager of Online Production for Here Media, parent company to The Advocate and Out. He enjoys assembling online features on artists and photographers, and you can often find him poring over the mouldering archives of the magazines.