Larry Clark and Masculinity: Male Subjectivity and Visual Culture Dirk Reynders (PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Belgium) 9781350385405

This book explores the visual representation of masculinity in the work of Larry Clark, using this to
prompt a wider conversation about the male body in visual culture and art.
Infamous for his often deeply personal depictions of teenage sexuality, subcultures and drug use, filmmaker and photographer Larry Clark also paid close attention to male identity, as revealed for the first time in this book. It explores the visual representation of masculinity in Clark's work, revealing how his images of the male body differ from traditional depictions and function not only as objects of spectacle, but as spectacular objects in themselves.

Despite being hugely influential, there has been a lack of critical attention paid to Clark's work following his celebrated photobook Tulsa (1971). Masculinity and Visual Culture is a vital contribution to research on Clark, and visual and photography studies more broadly, where it explores the photographer's depiction of the male subject as an object of desire. It also expands research in gender and queer studies by examining masculinity as a relational, social and intercultural construct in media and society, enhancing our understanding of Clark's narrative and iconographic practice, while simultaneously positioning his work at the centre of the cultural discourse around male subjectivity.

Drawing on an array of Clark's work, including his films 'Kids' and 'Ken Park', as well as his photographs, Masculinity and Visual Culture brings it into conversation with the work of a wide range of other photographers including David Armstrong, Steven Klein and Nan Goldin. In doing so, the book provides an important re-examination of Clark's key influences and legacy.