A celebration of life: that's my first thought looking at the works of Johan van Breukelen. A bright, fresh and colorful tribute to the male in an almost surreal world. The way he is using his photographic material is more the work of a painters hand than that of a photographer's camera.

The colors are reminding me of Michelangelo fresco's. Well, after they have been cleaned up by the last restoration. And sure the male models have the same ideal proportions the fresco's are famous for. The other theme he uses a lot is reflection. Reflection of the body in the surrounding space. Sometimes this is used natural, sometimes it's more like the colors and form are extended elements filling the whole image. It gives a great sensual and personal touch to the work of this remarkable artist.

A busy artist is Johan van Breukelen: besides his art he is also involved in starting a magazine called "Mannenwerk" that's Dutch for Maleworks. The goal is to stimulate personal development of male's in general, but especially gay and bisexual men.

The magazine is launched at a big party in Artis Zoo Amsterdam on 9 October 2004.

More information and a large gallery with his work here