Thomas Allen's work consists of cut outs from old pulp paperback covers arranged in such a way that they remind us of our third grade diorama assignment—but a whole lot sexier.

He photographs images of boxers, cowboys, sailors, prom queens, thugs and hussies at angles and perspectives that truly makes each jump off the page with rage and passion. The end result is like a pop-up book version of a dime store crime novel; prints that are lit like a noir movie, framed like a '50s comic book and narrated like a grizzled bar-fly pontificating about the good old days between boiler makers. Each is a story unto itself, bringing to mind characters from Mickey Spillane crime novels and Samuel Fuller pulp-inspired films.

Uncovered (Aperture), a board book collection of Allen's work, features a clever die-cut cover and a print and reproduction quality indicative of other Aperture titles. (In other words, ideal coffee table material.) The colors explode from these distressed vignettes, landing directly into you cerebral cortex complete with back alley gum-shoe grit.

Pick up your copy at the Aperture Gallery book store (547 West 27th Street, 4th Floor) where the artist will be speaking and doing a signing on Tuesday, October 16th at 6:30 p.m. If you're feeling a little less ambitious, you can order it online here.

- Spyridon P. Panousopoulos

* "Stranger", 2006; "Viewfinder", 2006; "Fury", 2006; all images courtesy of Aperture.

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