Matthew DeFeo: American Standard | LENSCRATCH

Bodybuilders are always on show.  Their work literally lives on them as they navigate the world with a unique and dedicated lifestyle. On stage as they bare it all, hard lights emphasize their slick, oiled mussels, sculpted and intimidating. Here we have American Standard, a photo series by Matthew DeFeo that documents the behind-the-scenes life of bodybuilders as they train to compete. And while I don’t necessarily believe that these bodybuilders have fully relaxed in front of the camera, ceasing to perform, I do believe that DeFeo’s photographs have given a softer touch to one of our more shocking sports.