In the mid-twentieth century, Gregor Arax, a talented photojournalist born in Armenia, sought refuge in Paris after fleeing Turkey in 1922. Little did he know that his path would lead him to become a legendary figure in the realm of vintage nude male photography. Over the course of four decades, Arax’s career flourished, capturing the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
One such influential patron was Lucien Bacquemane, a wealthy French poet and renowned bodybuilding photograph collector. Bacquemane, considered the foremost authority on bodybuilding photography in France and possibly the world, commissioned Arax to capture the essence of bodybuilders both on and off stage. What set Arax’s work apart was his ability to coax many of his subjects to pose au naturel, resulting in a collection of over 7,500 meticulously labeled and dated bodybuilding photographs, neatly organized in bound albums.
Arax’s artistry transcended borders, and his vintage nude male photos found eager buyers in the United States. To navigate the scrutiny of the notorious US postal inspectors, Arax ingeniously protected the modesty of his subjects by covering their genitals with waterpaint fig leaves. This ingenious tactic allowed his clients to easily remove the fig leaves with a little water, revealing the unadorned beauty beneath.
Among Arax’s favorite models was Charles Kassapian, a notable bodybuilder and movie actor. Kassapian’s striking physique and charisma made him an ideal subject for Arax’s lens. Another prominent figure in Arax’s portfolio was Helmut Riedmeier, a distinguished bodybuilder who held the titles of twice Mr. Universe, five times Mr. Europe, and the runner-up to a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in Mr. Europe 1966. Riedmeier also had the honor of posing for English vintage nude male photographer John S Barrington, showcasing the interconnectedness of the artistic community.
Hubert Thomas, hailing from Swansea in Wales, added another dimension to Arax’s repertoire. After posing for Arax in Paris, Thomas went on to achieve the coveted title of Mr. Britain in 1951, solidifying his place in the annals of bodybuilding history.
The extraordinary career of Arax of Paris not only captured the physical strength and beauty of bodybuilders but also exemplified the timeless allure of vintage nude male photography. Through his masterful compositions, Arax preserved the artistry of the human form, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography.