Kensington Road: physique magazines in LGBTQ historyįor many young men of the 1950s, physique magazines were an introduction and portal to the gay community. Jim Dolinsky was the executor of the Bruce Bellas Estate, himself a noteworthy writer, photographer, dealer and collector of physique photography. Historically, his body of work is a chronicle of the men of his generation, and his images inform us of the way they looked, dressed and lived in that era. In "Bruce of Los Angeles," Jim Dolinsky describes Bruce Bellas as a pioneer of modern nude photography: a master artist and technician dedicated to depicting the male figure. Dallesandro is generally considered to be the most famous male sex symbol of American underground films of the 20th century, as well as a sex symbol of gay subculture. Ten+ lots feature Joe Dallesandro (Joe Davis), American actor and Andy Warhol superstar. This compilation includes over 200 lots of original vintage photographs and negatives. Urban Culture Auctions in association with Palm Beach Modern Auctions is pleased to represent a historically significant collection of photographs and ephemera from the archives of Bruce of Los Angeles. He co-authored the 2016 book "Flora: Les fleurs de Mapplethorpe" and is a noted collector of 20th century glass and design. He left me the collection after his death from AIDS at a very young age." ~ Dimitri Levas, on his introduction to Bruce of Los Angeles and acquisition of the Archive photos offered in this auctionĭimitri Levas is best known for his work as Art Director and stylist for Robert Mapplethorpe, and as Set Designer for Bruce Weber. This was around the time I met Jimmy D, who held around half to three fourths of the Bruce Bellas estate. I would visit the loft and buy as many photographs as I could afford at the time. His photographs were the most inventive, often playful and at other times classical (the images I was personally most drawn to). I tried to collect as many images as I could that I thought were worthy of framing! He could have had a career as a legitimate" photographer had he not chosen the nude male physique as his subject matter – an illegal practice in his time. They had so many photographs by all the many different 'Guild' photographers, but I quickly recognized that Bruce's work was of the highest quality, technically as well as compositionally. "In New York back in the 80s, I would go to a little shop, a loft in the East Village called Physique Memorabilia. Please refer to the detail photos in the listing, and do not hesitate to inquire with any questions you may have pertaining to a specific lot or items within a lot. Condition issues we noted, primarily among prints on fiber-based paper, were minor edge wear and corner bends, and some with some undulation to the paper. We would consider them all to be in very good to good condition. Those with apparent significance have been noted and/or photographed.Ĭountry of Origin & Materials: American card stockĬondition: Items from the archives of Bruce Bellas were held in storage for years with minimal handling, and overall condition reflects that. Some lots in this auction have various handwritten notations on the photos/packaging. Markings: Each imprinted copyright Bruce of Los Angeles, 1986/Photoflex. Five poses are represented.ĭesigner & Manufacturer: Bruce Bellas (1909-1974), aka Bruce of Los Angeles (after) printed by Photoflex, New York Lot is comprised of approximately five hundred bifold greeting cards from the archives of Bruce Bellas aka Bruce of Los Angeles.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |