Luke Smalley (1955-2009) was an American artist recognised for his photographic work. His images drew inspiration from fitness manuals and yearbooks. A graduate with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University in the USA, Smalley spent several years working as a model and personal trainer. He used real high school athletes as models, who participated in unusual, imaginary competitions he conceived. Smalley designed and crafted many of the outfits and equipment himself. His photographs and books have become highly collectable.
The Skinny Type primarily creates hand-cut photographic collages that depict idyllic scenarios of young love and intimacy. Their work delicately balances idealism with naturalism. These scenes explore various representations of the male figure, reflecting the dreams and fantasies of an observer seeking to realise impossible scenarios of narcissistic love. The collages aim to create intimate moments between characters and situations that have little in common, other than the desire to bring them together.
Narcissus Dreams With Luke will open at BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! on May 15, 2025. This exhibition is a collaboration showcasing eight hand-cut collages. The Skinny Type reinterprets Smalley’s fascination with the archetype of the athletic American male by depicting the characters in more intimate interactions. QX spoke to The Skinny Type about his art, his latest exhibition and work he has in the pipeline.
How were you introduced to your art, and why do you have a passion for it?
I am a collage artist who works with hand-cut photographic collages, but not a photographer myself. My passion for collage comes from the enjoyment of doing things with my hands, from being meticulous and from creating my own fantasies out of forcing images together.
What are the subjects of your collages, and what are the themes in your work?
I create idyllic scenarios of narcissistic young love, usually forcing the same person into an erotic scene with himself. It is all about creating a composition that looks real but that cannot be. A compromission that tells a story but that it is up to the viewer to interpret it.
What exhibitions have you been able to participate in?
I have an exhibition coming up in May at BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café in London. We will be showing my collaboration with Twin Palms Publishers for the re-edition of Luke Smalley’s Exercise at Home book.
I’ve also been part of BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! World Pride exhibition at Working Dog Gallery in Sydney; Queer Pandemia in Milan; Queer Frontiers in London; a solo exhibition in Shoreditch; plus part of the Discerning Art exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London.
I’ve also been published in many magazines, including BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!, Metal, Out, Another, Fucking Young, Behind the Blinds and Cap74024.
How can we acquire your work and do you take commissions?
My works are available from BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! I have taken on a few commissions for galleries, mainly in the US.
What projects do you have in the pipeline?
I am currently working on another collaboration with Twin Palms, working with their classical books on George Platt Lynes, Anderson & Low and Steven Arnold.
I’m also working on ceramic pieces, using the collage cut-outs as stencils and drawings into hand-made ceramic vases and plates.
Narcissus Dreams with Luke, an exhibition by The Skinny Type featuring the works of Luke Smalley, 15 May – 30 June 2025 at BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café, 30C Warren St, London W1T 5NF, United Kingdom.
The exhibition is also available online.
Get social
@boysfineart @boysgallerycafelondon and @theskinnytype
Images courtesy of agent and gallerist to The Skinny Type
