At 24, Ryan McGinley became the youngest artist to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art. McGinley's intimate portraits of graffiti artists, skateboarders, and musicians – many of whom are his friends – reveal contemporary youth subcultures with a keen, honest eye. He has quickly become known as a confessional artist in the mold of Nan Goldin and Wolfgang Tillmans, one who can not only navigate the fleeting, elusive world of kids coming of age in urban environs, but can convey the complexity of their lives with a camera. McGinley's own life, including his sexuality, is also a significant focus of his work. Through his lens, bohemia appears as a site of deep and conflicted expression, and a constant struggle for meaning.

Photo by Bruce LaBruce

Dakota (Hair), 2004
© Ryan McGinley
Courtesy Team Gallery, New York