Emotion

Male beauty, rugged physicality, and sensuality combined with the artistry of motion; all play a striking hand in David Vance's latest photographs, presented in "Emotion - Photographs by David Vance."

Photography of the male nude (or, to coin an archaic term, "beefcake") is elevated through Vance's eye to idealized perfection. It doesn't hurt in the least that Vance has chosen a stable of handsome and chiseled men to create motion and the emotional pull of attraction.

There is a discovery of emotions to be pondered in the faces of these men. Whether it is sexual, self-absorption, or just natural charm or playfulness, the energy is never distant or vague. A line comes to mind from Lauren Bacall's character in the film "How To Marry a Millionaire" when she is fantasizing in her dream and says, "I'll take that and that and that! And charge it." You get the picture? Needless to say, there in not an un-intriguing photo in the lot. David Vance created a muted background of moss green, stark black, soft white and subtle grays for the settings of these "ideal" males.

As motion is the notion, Vance creates a wind-blown effect of vibrations in the movement itself. The energy of activity has a touch of Philippe Halsman's "Jump" series of photos. I doubt Halsman has a "jump" photo of a nude, male model sporting a full erection in the process. Kudos to Vance for adding that to this set. Or, was it just a coincidence that all the men posing naked and in full view are particularly well-endowed? That's a question for Mr. Vance, indeed. The desire is there to learn more about the process, more than the introduction of his thoughts on creating these emotions through photography. A true artist doesn't reveal all their secrets in creating the imagery. There has to be some mystery to involve the imagination.

In this aspect, "Emotion" succeeds. As it is sometimes better to know that when there is motion; there is also the calm and stillness in the aftermath. Take the time to appreciate both of these aspects found in stunning photography.

"Emotion - Photographs by David Vance"
David Vance
$89.99
http://www.brunogmuender.com/en/catalogue/product/emotion