Bondi Classic
by Paul Freeman

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Book Reviews of Bondi Classic

Book Review: An Instant Classic!
Summary: 5 Stars

In his brief introduction Mr. Freeman says that as a youngster he was taken by the image of the suffering Saint Sebastian (check out the portrait on page 174 of Garth Elliot 2) and that present day influences are Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts (speaking of airbrushing photographs). I think many of his models look more like some of the work of Jim French as well as Caravaggio-- whom he acknowledges as an inspiration-- and Michelangelo.

Many of these men are photographed as many as 6, 7 or 8 times so you will probably get to see a lot of your favorites. Where to begin-- the man on page 11 (beautiful shadows), the outrageous Grant Perry (page 24 and 7 more photos), the hairy barrel chested Igor Praporshchikov on page 55, Black Angel No. 4 on page 73, Mat Obelisk on pages 76 and 77-- perfect exposure and lighting--the Gladiator on page 103 that, thank goodness, shows up again and again-- Gladiator 4 on page 126-- this is an unusal and most flattering pose-- the portrait of Ryan Kwanten on page 154, Kane 1 and 1 (pages 158 and 159-- the list goes on and on. The only photographs I don't care for are the ones with a snake wrapped around the model. Perhaps it's the Garden of Eden story that turns most of us off to these kinds of photographs. Richard Avedon did the snake photographs better years ago anyway.

If the test for a book of photographs is whether or not you return to it again and again, then BONDI CLASSIC gets an A+. In its own way this book is just as hot as Tom Bianchi's ON THE COUCH series. If you can only buy one book of this kind this year, this one's the one. Oh, go ahead; treat yourself and buy Bianchi's also.

Summary of Bondi Classic

'Bondi Classic' stands out in a publishing genre filled, of late, with thoughtless compilations. It's a sumptuous 240-page hardbound, with beautiful production values and design, and exquisite photography. It's the first in a self-published series of 'coffee table' collectibles by Freeman's.

A tribute to the Australian hero, Bondi Classic responds to a strong international demand for a book of Freeman's art nude portraiture. With remarkable talent Freeman gives us a sensual yet respectful look at a vast and varied array of Aussie men, including some of Australia's top actors, models, sports stars and Olympians. (Captured champion iron men, Princess Diana's personal trainer, mister Australia body building champions, actors from international theatre and film, television soap heart-throbs, top pro footballers, Olympic boxers, divers and wrestlers, and an Australian Man Of The Year!)

Using classic and European religious art references, often within an ancient and moody Sydney coastal environment, Bondi Classic takes us on an epic of unabashed male physicality. Maintaining a reverential distance from his subjects, Freeman's story revels in the paradoxes of masculinity. His subjects are strong yet sensual, courageous while provocative, violent and divinely innocent.

Director of the internationally- acclaimed Sydney Festival, Brett Sheehy, gave the book a rave review when he launched it in Sydney in February 2004. Sheehy referred to Freeman as a new Bruce Weber, as well as Australia's own Renaissance man.

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