This striking figurative photograph reinterprets archaic Greek statuary through a vulnerable, contemporary lens. The composition depicts a full-frontal male nude standing with arms slightly raised, establishing a dynamic balance between strength, poise, and emotional openness. Created between 2000 and 2002 as part of Michael James O'Brien's acclaimed Kouros series, the artwork employs soft, pale tonalities to explore themes of presence, identity, and physical form. Printed on museum-grade fine art paper, this piece captures the artist's signature dialogue between classical beauty and modern nuance, making it a powerful investment piece for serious collectors of fine art photography.
Michael James O’Brien draws inspiration from his diverse roles as a photographer, poet, and activist. His themes are not classical, the artist prefers to portray extraordiary beuty, transgender people and still lifes. The artist's images have a sense of discovery and loss; absence and presence.
This stunning piece features figurative nude photography that masterfully combines vibrant colors with a profound sense of form and emotion. Discover how this piece can enhance your space.
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Fine Art Male Nude Photography - Kouros Pale from Kouros by Michael O'Brien
Kouros Pale, 2000-2002
From the Kouros series
Color fiber paper
Dimensions:
Image size: 22.5 H x 17.5 W in.
Paper size: 24 H x 20 W in.
Ed 3/5 + 2AP
Unframed
Medium format color neg film Photographed with Pentax 6 x 7 camera In natural light
Michael James O’Brien is a multifaceted artist based in Atlanta, GA, known for his work as a photographer, teacher, curator, poet, and activist. He has held solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and Istanbul. His photography is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection in London and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue UK, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. O'Brien authored Girlfriend; Men, Women, and Drag, published by Random House, and contributed to Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 7 and Cremaster series. A dedicated activist, he has been involved with ACTUP and various HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, including the Love Ball and Live Positive Campaign. Currently, he serves as the Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design and chairs the Advisory Council of Atlanta Celebrates Photography.
