Design

Top Magazine Covers: Male Nude

Top Magazine Covers: Male Nudity / Skillbox Media

Mikhail Loskov

Book designer and art director of the publication "Dialogue of Arts". Previously, I held the position of art director at the graphic design magazine [kAk] and a publication dedicated to the art of photography called Photo.Art.

I designed catalogs for exhibitions and auctions, created albums for artists, and collaborated with art festivals and theaters. In 2018, I also acted as a co-producer of the FIFA World Cup.

He studied in Basel, Switzerland.

From an early age, he was passionate about kite flying, which eventually led him to victory in the European Championship. He also initiated a festival called "Motley Sky."

Website: uncovered.ru.

I find it difficult to understand how one can exist in a world where ideas of body positivity coexist with restrictions on the publication of photographs depicting the human body on social media. There's a contradiction here: on the one hand, we hear, "I feel comfortable in my body and shouldn't judge or evaluate people based on their appearance," while on the other, there are claims that the human body is somehow unacceptable or offensive.

I feel a deep attachment to my body, as well as to human corporeal existence in general, and I enjoy sharing my delight with others. When I post a new photo on Facebook*, the thought runs through my head: "Look how beautiful this is." That was the case in the early days of social media. Anton Belov, director of the Garage Museum, once remarked, "My favorite blog is on my friends' feed."

Now I don't do that anymore. I'm tired of being in the bathhouse.

We live in an era full of contradictions, when reality seems confusing, and rules are simultaneously existing and being broken. The internet stores all memories, and the actions of moderators, whether they're in the form of a riot or not, seem devoid of any logic. The Earth's population is steadily increasing, while the level of common sense remains unchanged. The marble Hercules by Greek master Glykion has become a symbol of #weekendatthemuseum (and instantly makes it into stories), while photographs by American Mapplethorpe can only evoke disgust and even lead to unfriending.

In this issue:

  • things that cannot be forgotten;
  • observation of the most perfect body shapes;
  • Ancient ideas about male attractiveness.
  • time spent with Marcus Rashford in an informal setting;
  • elegant orange swimming trunks.

Rolling Stone

Image: Rolling Stone

Photographed by Norman Jean Roy.

Briefing: A monthly magazine covering music and popular culture.

The cover caused a stir on Twitter. Memes like "God is Real" and "Next thing I knew, I was pregnant," as well as others from the "Marry Me" series, became especially popular. What do you think? Share your thoughts on Twitter.

Now let's turn our attention to the source of the admiration. The skillfully chosen lighting and the interplay of contrasts between the background and the textures of the fur coat, lining, leather pants, and leather lend this image a special appeal. Furthermore, the interaction between the photographer and model, who managed to create the right mood, as well as the work of the photographer, photo editor, and art director who selected this particular shot from the entire series, deserve special mention. Sometimes, to achieve impressive results, you just need to do your job well.

Wired

Image: Wired

Creative Director is Massimo Pitis.

Photography by Tony Toribmert.

Information: A monthly periodical dedicated to the digital revolution.

This is the eternal debate about the concept of the ideal body in its digital embodiment. Throughout history, countless artists and sculptors have placed humans within an idealized circle: from the masters of the ancient world, through the Renaissance with its outstanding figures like Leonardo da Vinci, to the vibrant images of the 1980s, when Arnold Schwarzenegger took center stage, and to the present day. Italians seem to have been fortunate in this context, as this theme seems to be ingrained in their DNA. This issue focuses on the topic "The Ideal Machine," exploring how modern technology assists specialists in white coats. As for the cover, it doesn’t give the impression of a masterpiece, but rather arouses interest as an independent attempt.

SOFA

Image: SOFA

Photos by: Boris Kamaka.

Reference Information: a periodical dedicated to the analysis of current aspects of modern society.

From the very beginning, the authors openly state that their cover is a parody of the famous image of Putin, posing naked on horseback. This statement plays a key role. Thanks to it, the cover instantly acquires the status of an artistic statement. As a result, a certain context and direction are formed, which radically changes the perception of the work.

The initial image turned out to be surprisingly multilayered in its meaning, and I wonder whether this was intended or whether it is a happy coincidence. You can laugh at this image, purse your lips ironically, or even use it as wallpaper on your phone, but it is already impossible to ignore subsequent appearances with a naked torso without taking into account the image of Putin on a horse. It cannot be erased from memory.

Let's consider as an example the recent Burberry advertising campaign featuring Adam Driver, created by director Jonathan Glazer and photographer Mario Sorrenti. In this context, SOFA's editorial line proves quite compelling. It's now difficult to perceive images of Putin separately from this extravagant cover.

Let me share a few thoughts on the current state of affairs. The topic of our discussion will be the contemporary understanding of masculinity. Our editorial team is committed to understanding this increasingly complex and multifaceted issue.

Athletica

Image: Athletica

Art director and photographer: Christian Lartillot.

Information: A trimonthly magazine devoted to physical education, examining various aspects of the concept.

Girls often show an attraction to so-called "bad boys." This stems from a sense of freedom, a thirst for adventure, and a desire to break rules. Climbing fences becomes an important element, earning significant points. A young woman's heart won't resist, even if she's heard her mother's warnings. You can get special points for an original approach to the image of the "cover of a sports publication."

ESPN

Image: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Image: ESPN

Photos by Joe Pugliese, Peggy Sirota, Andrew Hetherington, Marcus Erickson, Mark Williams, Sarah Hirakawa and Rob Daly.

About: A monthly sports magazine.

From 2009 to 2019, the American cable sports channel produced fall specials featuring the world's top athletes posing naked. It was not only a spectacle of physical beauty, but also a successful marketing ploy.

Men’s Health

Image: Men’s Health

Information: monthly publication dedicated to a healthy lifestyle It would be absurd to ignore a magazine that publishes nude images of men monthly, both on the cover and inside. This issue was chosen because the editors decided to slightly change the traditional approach, abandoning the usual photos of the issue's celebrity or the occasional attractive athlete. The covers (the issue was released with two versions) are designed in the style of a classic advertisement for a sporting event between two wrestlers. Those interested can find out more about the fight in the magazine itself.

The Washington Post Magazine

Image: The Washington Post Magazine

Art director is Michael Johnson.

Photographed by Andre Chung.

The Washington Post's Sunday supplement.

This photograph will undoubtedly take its place in history alongside other outstanding news photographs. It captures a rally held in the United States as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. The photographer managed to convey multiple meanings in a single frame. However, we will focus on the central figure, as it clearly relates to our topic. This image is perfect. In it, you can see natural strength, a mythical hero, a reference to the history of slavery, a desire for freedom, and a collective archetype.

GQ

Image: GQ

The art director is Federigo Gabilieri.

Photography by Jonas Hegi.

Info: monthly lifestyle magazine.

The Italian publication adorned its cover with an image of the famous statue of David, beneath which the words "new Renaissance" are written in large Italian font, emphasizing that the previous Renaissance also had Italian roots. Using stereo-vario technology, which is reminiscent of children's iridescent calendars, the statue is transformed into an attractive Italian, or, depending on preference, the Italian becomes a statue. This is a really good cover, worth getting.

The Wall Street Journal Magazine: The World of Finance and Business

Image: Wall Street Journal Magazine

Photographers are Inez van Lamsweerd and Vinoodh Matadin.

Info: A monthly lifestyle and style magazine.

The cover of the piece is particularly powerful because it portrays Marcus Rashford, the £10 million-a-year Manchester United and England striker, not as a celebrity but as a close friend. The image radiates warmth, trust, and intimacy. You, the viewer, feel as if you're on the same wavelength as him, as if he were an old schoolmate. Marcus enjoys playing with a ball, and that joy is contagious. Photographers have masterfully broken down the barrier between you and the subject, creating something unique and truly football-like.

Crotch

Image: Crotch

Photo by: Xavier Samre.

Information: a publication dedicated to men's underwear, published twice a year.

"A publication dedicated to men's underwear and swimwear, with gorgeous men, physical beauty and sexual freedom" is the motto of this dynamic magazine. If you like the presented cover (and you share the interests of the current topic of the column), I recommend following them on Instagram so as not to miss new publications.

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