What would happen if you loaded up a gaggle of awkward adolescent models and photographed them on a cross-country road trip through the most picturesque landscapes you could find? I imagine it would look a lot like a sportier version of an American Apparel ad—or, "I Know Where the Summer Goes," an exhibit of photographer Ryan McGinley's new work currently on view at Team Gallery through May 3rd.

If the title sounds familiar, give yourself 10 points, trivia junkie—it was taken from an early B-side by Belle & Sebastian. But the meaning is actually quite literal. These beautiful nude photographs are a product of the summer of 2007, when McGinley hit the road with sixteen models, three assistants and 4,000 rolls of film in tow. And you thought that you over packed for summer vacations...

The resulting 50 or so images on display—inspired by amateur photography that appeared in nudist magazines during the 60s and early 70s—exude all of the childhood innocence of a skinny dipping adventure at the swimming hole. Thus a raven-haired nymphet slingshots through the air over a wide-open plain; a group of tennis shoe-clad young nudes dash across a desert highway; a lone female figure dances in the dark illuminated by a fireworks shower.

In these photographs, McGinley has captured that wicked excitement of the first days of summer. Which, if you can remember, is kind of a great feeling. And so, I recommend you pour yourself a nice, big glass of lemonade, throw on your favorite pair of broken-in sandals and head on down to SoHo to take in a little vicarious sunshine.

Team Gallery is located at 83 Grand Street, (212) 279-9219.

- Caroline Stanley

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