'DIARIES: An Anthology Of Photography From Italy' Takes Intimate Look At Gay Fashion Photographers' Work

The lesser-known work of some esteemed Italian fashion photographers from several generations will see the light of day in New York City for the very first time. (WARNING: some images may not be suitable for work)

The provocative exhibition, titled "DIARES: An Anthology of Photography from Italy," opens Dec. 15 at the Leslie/Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York. According to the show's European-based curator Peter Weiermair, the exhibit's unifying theme is "the male nude, its beauty, Eros and sexuality," and by the looks at a selection of the over 60 photographs that will be shown, he isn't kidding.

As several of the 11 photographers pointed out, their work in "Diaries" wasn't bound to the same rigid restrictions of high-end fashion shoots -- particularly given the fact that many of the models have a more natural (though nonetheless sensual) appearance.

"I received a lot of compliments about my photographs from people who are getting bored with the slick photographs of the “gym–perfect” models," said Fiorenzo Niccoli, a frequent collaborator of Italian fashion designer Roberto Capucci who has also shot the links of Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani among others. "These people are real people."

Added Bolonga-based photographer azt: "Beauty is something opposite from perfection. It's more complex and inclusive; it's a whole world of thoughts, feelings, and gestures...I think the audience always has this feeling of 'humanity' viewing my works. They can identify themselves with the subjects I represent."

"DIARES: An Anthology of Photography from Italy" opens at the Leslie/Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art Dec. 15 and runs through Feb. 3, 2013. For more information, click here.

Take a look at a section of photographs from the exhibition below: