Gallery's Positioning as "Erotica for the Thinking Man"
As with many magazines that focus on sexuality, Gallery set out to offer something different from its competitors. In this case, rather than targeting either the intellectual elite or those seeking purely pornographic material, they aimed at men who wanted to explore their sexual desires while engaging with thoughtful articles and interviews. Their approach was to showcase artfully photographed women—some clothed, some nude, but all depicted as intelligent and independent individuals—in an environment of cultural discourse and reflection.
The magazine began publishing in 1985 as a quarterly publication before transitioning to bimonthly in 1986. The editorial vision was to present beautiful women as objects of desire without demeaning them. The cover stories were often accompanied by essays about art, literature, philosophy, science, and other topics of interest to educated readers. This combination of erotic images and highbrow content earned it a reputation as a "smart Playboy."
This approach proved successful enough to sustain the magazine for almost three decades until it folded in 2013 amidst financial troubles and changing attitudes towards adult publications. However, during that time, it established itself as a leading voice in the genre and influenced others to follow suit. For example, Maxim began offering more intellectually stimulating features after observing Gallery's success.
What made Gallery unique?
One reason Gallery stood apart from its peers was its emphasis on creating beautiful, well-composed images of women as works of art. Photographer Bruce Weber shot many of the early covers for the magazine, bringing a painterly quality to his portraits. Other photographers would emulate this style and take inspiration from the great painters of history when shooting for Gallery.
Another factor that contributed to Gallery's success was its willingness to tackle controversial subjects such as BDSM or the intersection between sexuality and race. While some might have been put off by these topics, they drew in an audience seeking deeper discussion of their desires beyond basic titillation. The editors also showcased international models and celebrities who brought new perspectives to the page.
Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, Gallery faced significant challenges in maintaining its position within the industry. As technology advanced and print media declined, advertising revenues fell, and competition increased. Additionally, censorship laws became stricter which led to fewer ads for sex-related products. Finally, public opinion shifted away from magazines like Playboy due to increasing concerns about objectification and violence against women.
In conclusion, Gallery's "Erotica for the Thinking Man" approach distinguished itself within the adult magazine landscape by presenting beauty and intelligence together while engaging with intellectual pursuits outside of sex. Its legacy is still felt today through its influence on other publications and artists exploring similar themes.