UNIVERSAL is a successful collaborative effort between Kingdome 19 (the well known carpenter/graphic artist turned photographer) and Henning von Berg (an equally well known architectural engineer turned photographer), both artists from Germany and both highly respected in Europe and now the USA. Their subject matter is the male nude and their similarities are their focus on non-studio settings and on their brave depiction of the aroused male.
From von Berg's vast collection of photographs, Kingdome 19 re-worked many in his developing room, adding graphic details, works, markings, and other artistic elements, enhancing von Berg's sometimes static works immensely. But the book also shares many of Kingdome 19's own photographs, all presented in sepia toning, all with some degree of handcrafted manipulation to enhance the artistic aspect of the finished product, and all sensually beautiful in the casual manner in which he shares his models' willingness to be totally free with their posing.
As the art world (since Mapplethorpe) has matured more and more to the point that male nudity, and even aroused male images, is becoming more accepted. Certainly at the top of the list of brave photographers is the always exciting work of Kingdome 19. This book contains nearly 150 images that are strong and challenging. Another fine book from Bruno Gmunder Verlag GmbH.
Grady Harp