Roy Stuart 1 - 4 Taschen Books

Why do we love Taschen books so much here at Mondopopsickle.com that we have an entire series of book shelves devoted to their genius, and a link to their site on almost every page of this site? Well, because no matter what the subject, the books are always beautiful, classy and uniquely comprehensive and informative. (Yes, I won’t lie because my personal favorites are the ones with striking photography that usually involves scantily clad or naked females.)

This brings us to photographer Roy Stuart, who has been a Taschen staple for years now. Recently they published the fourth volume of Roy Stuart’s cheeky tribute to the things we steal glances at but might not admit to. The fourth book is as playful, elegant and sexy as the previous three, and it comes with a limited edition DVD that samples his foray into movies.

Thankfully, Roy Stuart’s style and subject matter doesn’t change from book to book too much, (though volumes 3 & 4 do show a slight evolution in style and an enhancement in the artistic quality of his vision.) Each book displays scenarios and subjects involving near and full nudity, but in a way that is wonderfully playful and natural. Black & white, color & sepia toned images of lust drenched couplings, and inviting panty shots and voyeuristic moments galore, grace every single page of these beautiful four volumes.

It would be a shame for any collector of erotic photography to not have each of these books. Roy Stuart knows what he likes, and fortunately for us, he likes what we like and he captures it with a flair of creativity and honesty that defies you to label his work as pornography. No, this is art. It is art with a sense of freedom that many photographers will not allow themselves. Mr. Stuart’s work has a style and sensibility that belongs to a world of innocence that conservative, narrow minded individuals are trying to steal from us. He shows us scenarios that we cage in our fantasies, and lock up because of shame. There is no shame or fear in Roy Stuart’s work. There is only beauty.

I previously mentioned the suppression of fantasy and the wonderful thing about Roy Stuart’s four volumes of erotica is that he is not only a skilled photographer, but a great storyteller. The photo essays depict scandalous situations that intrigue and titillate, arouse and puzzle, (whether it involves a beautiful woman hiking up her skirt and peeing on an open street, S&M inspired moments, public flashing or intimate reveals of private parts behind a pulled aside pair of cotton panties, the moments are almost cinematic in their sexuality without seeming overly staged.)

One hopes number four does not mean the end to this wonderful series of books. These volumes will get so many repeat viewings, you may actually want to have an extra set around for when the older ones get too page worn. Taschen and Ro Stuart continue to spoil us adults with more mesmerizing material to save our dreams from being mundane and repetitive.

Terry Osterhout
Spring 2005

See Roy Stuart's Official Site Here