ARTIST

1955-2009

Luke Smalley Resume

Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania. He used real high school athletes as models, who engaged in unusual, imaginary competitions he conceived, designing and crafting many of the outfits and equipment himself.

Series

This is a color photograph of shirtless men in their underwear facing a uniformed guard in a prison.
Sunday Drive

“Sunday Drive” is Luke Smalley’s final and perhaps most impressive body of work. It …

This is a color photograph of a shirtless young man lifting a barbell while another young man looks on.
Exercise at Home

“Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and …

This is a black-and-white photograph of two young men, a fishing rod, and an Indian club.
Gymnasium

The teenage athletes in “Gymnasium” seem inhabitants of some time or place other than …

Exhibitions

Press Releases

Press Coverage

Publications