Kouros: The Male Photography of John s Barrington

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Summary: Synopsis
Review: "Features young men in peak physical condition and spanning the last four decades. A collection to cherish." (Time Out)." - From Oddgirlspress

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Summary: John Barrington: Forgotten genius
Review: John Barrington, an artist and photographer who studied at St Martin's School of Art in London as well as L'Ecoles des Beaux Arts in Paris, is perhaps the most seminal British photographers of the male nude. Beginning in 1948 and continuing almost to the 1990s, Barrington almost single-handedly created the British market in male physique photography. Much like Bob Mizer and his Atheltic Model Guild in the U.S.A., Barrington created and sold thousands of photographs in art, physique and gay magazines in the United Kingdom. Like Mizer, too, he was prosecuted numerous times for his art.

The 60 or so photographs included in this slim volume encompass Barrington's work over the last half-century. Barrington's philosophy is that the model takes precedence over the camera, the photographer or the dark-room technique. Barrington primarily focused on athletic models -- men who range from the trim-but-toned look to men verging on the boydbuilder type. His black and white photographs are somewhat static in their presentation, however; almost invariably, the men face forward, and are shot from knee to head. Barrington also used exclusively heterosexual models, to reduce the erotic response of both the model and the viewer.

Yet, Barrington's work is not simply of historical importance. Yes, many of these photographs typify the times -- emotionally as well as legally -- in which Barrington worked. But Barrington eschews the "living statue" philosophy. His models are often smiling and relaxed. They aren't unapproachable gods, they are real men whose distance (because of sexual orientation, body type, and beauty) is palpable but not off-putting. The setting of these photographs -- taken in the studio, in homes and in the out of doors -- also helps maintain a fresh, friendly sense in the images. The impression is that these aren't professional body-builders or models, these are actual men. What a difference from the posed, self-conscious posturing of more modern photographers!

This collection also contains African men, a welcome respite from the hairless, smooth white body that implies classicism and sculptural qualities.

"Kouros" is an invaluable introduction to John Barrington's immense body of work and his technique. Hopefully, this book will lead to more complete retrospectives into this, Britain's most important and historic photographer of the male nude.