Luke Smalley (1955- 2009) was an American photographer whose images were centered on capturing boys in adolescence. He was a talented art director famous for creating "playful images that explored the intersections between fashion and masculinity". SUNDAY DRIVE is a very well conceived story book consisting only of images. The story consists of three young girls grooming themselves to drive out to the penitentiary where their three boyfriends are incarcerated. The girls shower, apply makeup, dress and ride in the car out to greet their boys. The boys are shown in their daily routines in jail - relaxing, working, being pensive, emoting, tattooing, and then the behind the screen greeting when the girls arrive. One of the most impressive images is of one of the young and beautiful blond boys completely tattooed, standing hold a chocolate cake as a trophy of sorts.
Smalley new how to be both sensuous and frank in his work. The images are all the more powerful because they remain understated and subtle. This is unusual photographic story telling and for this viewer it works very well. Grady Harp, October 10