Skip to main content

Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

American, 1955-2009

Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising, since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for several years as a model and personal trainer. He shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania. Smalley used real high school athletes as models, who engaged in unusual, imaginary competitions he conceived, designing and crafting many of the outfits and equipment himself.

to
7
11
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
8
10
8
10
11
7
18
17
10
9
6
5
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
9
41
3,719
320
286
265
18
Artist: Luke Smalley
Exercise at Home
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5 + 1 AP) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Laps
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Laundry
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, loc...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Parlor Wrestling I
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print Stamped and numbered, verso 11 x 14 inches, sheet 5 x 7 inches, image (Edition of 15) 16 x 20 inches, sheet 12 x 15.75 inches, image (Edition of 10) From the ...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sit-Up
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Tug of War
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety procedures on a small craft that happens to be indoors. Another pair have a psychological game of tug of war...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Medicine Ball Front
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 15) Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 16 inches, sheet From the series, "Gymnasium." This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York Cit...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Push Ball
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Head Lock
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 15) Stamped and numbered, verso 14 x 11 inches, sheet 7 x 5 inches, image From the series, "Gymnasium" This photograph is offered by ClampArt, loca...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Indian Club I
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print Stamped and numbered, verso 11 x 14 inches, sheet 5 x 7 inches, image (Edition of 15) 16 x 20 inches, sheet 11.5 x 16 inches, image (Edition of 15) From the s...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Megaphone
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print Stamped and numbered, verso 14 x 11 inches, sheet 7 x 5 inches, image (Edition of 15) 20 x 16 inches, sheet (Edition of 10) From the series, "Gymnasium" This ...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Garage
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 24 x 20 inches (Edition of 10) 40 x 30 inches (Edition of 5) 60 x 50 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Rowing Machine
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print Stamped and numbered, verso 14 x 11 inches, sheet (Edition of 15) 20 x 16 inches, sheet (Edition of 10) 24 x 20 inches, sheet (Edition of 10) From the series...
Category

1990s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sasha
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 24 x 20 inches (Edition of 10) 40 x 30 inches (Edition of 5) 60 x 50 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Tug of War
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 15) Stamped and numbered, verso 11 x 14 inches, sheet 9 x 12 inches, image From the series, "Gymnasium" This photograph is offered by ClampArt, loc...
Category

Early 2000s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Swimmers with Masks
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 15) Stamped and numbered on label, verso 14 x 11 inches, sheet 7 x 5 inches, image From the series, "Gymnasium" This photograph is offered by Clamp...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Parlor Wrestling IV
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 10) Stamped and numbered, verso 16 x 20 inches, sheet 12 x 15.75 inches, image From the series, "Gymnasium" This photograph is offered by ClampArt,...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Wooden Dumbbells
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Digital C-print Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 24 inches (Edition of 10) 30 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) 50 x 60 inches (Edition of 3) This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Please note that prices increase as editions sell. Luke Smalley was an American artist known for his photographic work, which pairs a coolly minimalist aesthetic with a retro nostalgia. Images from his early in his career were inspired by fitness manuals and yearbooks c. 1910. This is not surprising since Smalley graduated with a degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University and worked for a number of years as a model and personal trainer. Smalley shot the bulk of his photographs in his home state of Pennsylvania, using real high school athletes as models. “Exercise at Home” is Luke Smalley’s second major body of work. Shot in and around the tiny Pennsylvania town the artist called home, Smalley revisits themes of adolescent growing pains acted out under the guise of earnest athleticism. Teenagers engage in simple yet strange competitions meant to establish their standings amongst one another. Two youths practice boating safety...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print

Related Items
The Rolling Stones I - black and white photography
By Phillip Townsend
Located in New York, NY
This photo was taken a few minutes before the Stones appeared on 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' at ATV studios in Birmingham in 1963. This was their first TV appearance and Phillip caught ...
Category

1960s Modern Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

The Rolling Stones I - black and white photography
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 0.4 in
Two Leopards Spotted, Chicago 1974, Brookfield Zoo, Signed and Framed.
By Art Shay
Located in Chicago, IL
Street photography was a passion of Art's and it shows in this delightful shot taken at Brookfield Zoo in 1974. The photograph is signed on the bottom right hand corner. It is matted with a heavy white mat and framed in a simple black metal frame. Art Shay Two Leopards...
Category

1970s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Slim Aarons Estate Print - Dali And Gala 1955 - Oversize
By Slim Aarons
Located in London, GB
Dali And Gala Spanish artist Salvador Dali (1904 – 1989) enjoying a cup of coffee with his wife Gala (1894 – 1982) on a terrace at the Ritz Hotel, Madrid. Paper size 20 x 20" inch...
Category

1950s Modern Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Black and White, Silver Gelatin

'Quiet Moment' (Limited Edition)
By Edward Feingersh
Located in London, GB
'Quiet Moment' by Ed Feingersh Actress Marilyn Monroe relaxes on a couch in her hotel room at the Ambassador Hotel on March 24, 1955 in New York City, New York. A beautiful and mor...
Category

1950s Modern Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"Carol McCallson Scavullo Taylor, East Hampton" figurative, photograph, cat
By Francesco Scavullo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A black and white photograph of the artist's wife, fashion model, Caroll McCallson, and their cat in their home in East Hampton. Matted and framed under glass.
Category

20th Century Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Paper

Che (Che Guevara cutting canes)
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Che (Che Guevara cutting cane) 1962 (printed later) is a gelatin silver print by noted Cuban artist Ernesto Fernandez Nogueras, b.1939. It is signed, titled and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Kurt Hutton Fair Fun 1938 Limited Edition Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
By Kurt Hutton
Located in London, GB
Fair Fun (1938) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print (Photo by Kurt Hutton/Getty Images) Two young women enjoying themselves on the 'Caterpillar' ride at Southend Fair, Essex, October 1938...
Category

1930s Modern Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Black and White, Silver Gelatin

Flipping Boy, 4th Ward, Houston, TX by Earlie Hudnall, Jr., 1983
By Earlie Hudnall Jr.
Located in Denton, TX
Flipping Boy, 4th Ward, Houston, TX by Earlie Hudnall, Jr. is a 14 x 11 inch silver gelatin print. This photograph features a boy flipping in the street, with people watching from the sidewalk and the skyline of Houston in the background. This photograph is signed, titled, and dated in pencil on print verso by Earlie Hudnall, Jr. Earlie Hudnall, who is one of the most notable African American...
Category

1980s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

1930s Photograph of Ansel Adams and Ed Towler
By Wilson D. Ellis
Located in Soquel, CA
Ansel Adams and Ed Towler by Wilson D. Ellis (American, 20th Century). Titled "Ansel and Ed Towler 1936" on verso and signed "Wilson D Ellis" with date 7/16/35 under mat. Silver Brom...
Category

1930s American Realist Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Shaken Not Stirred
By Nick Veasey
Located in PARIS, FR
X-ray lenticular artwork Lenticular is a ribbed lens that refracts light from different angles. When sequential images are split behind the lenticular lens the image looks like it m...
Category

2010s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

C Print, Lenticular

Shaken Not Stirred
Shaken Not Stirred
$17,400
H 33.08 in W 33.08 in D 1.58 in
Female Nude, Kate Resting, Contemporary Portrait Photography by Leonard Freed
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
This is a black and white contemporary portrait photograph of a female nude by Leonard Freed, Kate Resting, is in the photographer's series "Kate". A 20" x 16" gelatin silver photograph signed verso (back of photo) by the Freed estate (provenance). The self-assigned photo series on Kate became a welcome reprieve for Leonard Freed who during a long photo...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper

Female Nude, Kate Standing, Vintage Black and White Photography, Signed Print
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
Leonard Freed's stamped vintage (verso), 14" x 11," gelatin silver signed and hand-printed by Freed, Kate Standing, is from the Kate series, 2002. A photographer herself, model Kate ...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Previously Available Items
Medicine Ball Front
By Luke Smalley
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 15) Stamped and numbered, verso 20 x 16 inches, sheet From the series, "Gymnasium" This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City...
Category

1990s Other Art Style Luke Smalley Figurative Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Luke Smalley figurative photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Luke Smalley figurative photography available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of figurative photography to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Luke Smalley in c print, silver gelatin print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Luke Smalley figurative photography, so small editions measuring 11 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Michael Kenna, Paul Raphaelson, and Viktorija Pashuta. Luke Smalley figurative photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,500 and tops out at $3,750, while the average work can sell for $2,500.

Recently Viewed

View All