Herkules

The body as a work of art

Almost 40 muscular men stand half naked in front of a dozen mirrors. One critically flexes his massive biceps, while another's two companions make final corrections with a spreadable tanning product. An old hand collects himself in a kind of meditation, a young jumper meticulously checks the fit of his posing briefs. A mix of smells of aftershave, sweat and lots of testosterone is in the air. It's about to go out onto the big stage.

For this book, Firat Kara asked himself what people can do with their bodies and with what zeal they go about it. It's not just the massive bodies that interest him, but also the people in them. At international and national events, in studios and outdoor facilities, he captured her inner drive in rare snapshots. Especially before the shows, he managed to discover the personalities behind the mountains of muscle.