In the dark recesses of the human imagination lies an erotic potential that is rarely explored. Rare Flesh dares to venture into this taboo territory, pairing David E. Armstrong’s stunning male nudes with provocative poetry and prose by Clive Barker. Fans of Barker’s best-selling novels and films—from Weaveworld to Hellraiser—are already familiar with his unique brand of eroticism, and they will be eager to see it brought to life visually for the first time here.

Distinguished from other male nude photography books, Rare Flesh presents a series of photo essays that each explores a different fantasy scenario that could have sprung from a Barker novel. Dozens of models of varying body types and backgrounds were chosen, and each was encouraged to act out his own personal dreamscape, working with the photographer. The images, fashioned with the latest digital technology, often play with the viewer’s perceptions, as many of the models are covered in black body paint or shot against solid-color backgrounds. The results transform the body and tease the viewer, showing us the male form as we’ve never seen it before. This dynamic work is an intensely collaborative effort between Armstrong and Barker, who are life-partners, as the text delves into themes of love, betrayal, loneliness, and redemption.