Blake Little’s Construction Nudes 1981-1985 is a bold new monograph, now available for pre-order in a limited edition hardcover. Released this week, the book captures a transformative moment in both Los Angeles and gay culture, as the city expanded in preparation for the 1984 Olympics, while the AIDS crisis cast a shadow over the queer community.
Through 65 black-and-white analog photographs, Little contrasts the purity of nude male figures with the harsh, almost violent environments of LA’s growing construction sites. Shot in solitary, often illegal settings, the images reflect the raw energy and danger of the time. As Little recalls, “It has been a revelation for me to rediscover these photos… I see the beginnings of what would become my approach to photography.”
This rediscovered series marks a pivotal point in Little’s career—his first major body of work after moving to Los Angeles in 1980, transitioning from architectural to figure photography. The stark contrast between the human body’s softness and concrete’s rigidity speaks to the era’s vulnerability and resilience.
Ryan Linkof, Ph.D., curator of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, writes, “The photographs contrast the rough, unfinished quality of the buildings with the smooth textures of the nubile male models. They invite viewers to explore the erotic nature of construction sites, long identified with masculine labor and physical strength.”
Construction Nudes 1981-1985 offers an intimate, unflinching look at a crucial time in both gay history and Los Angeles’ transformation. Signed copies and limited edition prints are available in select quantities—pre-order now to secure your copy.
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