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The Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial 1951-1990 - 3 Volume Set (Taschen) |
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Physique Pictorial (PP) was the magazine of the Athletic Model Guild (AMG), the pioneering studio of homoerotic photography, which was established in 1945 in Los Angeles by Bob Mizer (1922-1992). Bob was connected to every aspect of PP, from graphic design to the boring cutting and taping of page compositions, from compiling the editorial to the important selection of the photographs. Although Physique Pictorial in later years became an outdated publication, to this day it remains the most important publication if its kind. All editions of PP have been brought together into a boxed set of three books. Mizer shows us through many hundreds of photographs taken in the years between 1951 and 1990 how much has changed in the way of erotic male photography.
The first book covers the years 1951 – 1960. In 1951, 29 year-old Bob published his first magazine. As a (homoerotic) photographer he wanted to sell his work and get new models interested. Physique Pictorial became his brainchild, although other photographers could also present their work. Artists of male-erotica were also welcomed, like a young Tom of Finland who had his first publications in PP, and others like draughtsmen Quaintence, Bob Maclane, & Steve Masters. Erotic drawings at that time were very lucrative, because they could show more nudity than in photographs, for it was drawn art.
The second book covers the years 1960-1967, the most exciting period for male-eroticism. America was awakened from the McCarthy era of strong conservatism. In the first book, briefs and other forms of cloth disguised the penis in the most artful ways, but in the second book the mood changes. Whilst the photographs still bear witness to grotesque wrestling matches, the drawings are filled with Homoeroticism.
The final third book covers the period 1968-1990, the period of gay-liberation in America (1968). In a time when beautiful, colorful albums are being created, the physique-pictures of Mizer have become obsolete. In 1990 the final edition of PP was published.
The boxed set of Physique Pictorial is a fascinating monument of a period in which the modern gay man awakened and was able to educate himself. It’s a tremendous document to have and look at over and over again.
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$125.00 |
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