PHOTOS: A Luke Smalley Retrospective

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

Laundry, 2008

Untitled (Floor Cleaning), 2008

Untitled (Tattooing), 2008

1st Year Anniversary, 2008

Now What?, 2008

Sit-Up, 2007

Push Ball, 2007

Laps, 2007

Tug of War, 2007

Boating Instruction, 2007

Cyclists, 1996

Rowing Machine, 1999

Parlor Wrestling, 1996

Tug of War, 2000

Portrait, 1999

Dustin, Rowing Machine I, 1999

High School Wrestlers Against Tree, 1993

Indian Club I, 1997