Why are Jesse Archer, Mike Ruiz, Jack Mackenroth and Perez Hilton losing their pants? Because artist Paul Richmond has enlisted their modeling services for his upcoming exhibit of male pin-up paintings called CHEESECAKE. The show, which will feature oil paintings of fourteen gay male celebrities, opens at the Center on Halsted in Chicago this June.

According to Richmond, "It intrigues me that it was almost exclusively women who were depicted as hapless victims of comical wardrobe malfunctions in early pin-up art. Those ladies couldn't even walk down the street without their skirts blowing up or their underwear falling down (or both!). Meanwhile, male pin-ups by artists like Tom of Finland were generally afforded more control over their sexy shenanigans. I believe gravity and other forces conspiring to rob people of their clothing should take an equal-opportunity approach."

And thus, his impressive lineup of Cheesecake models should be prepared for a revealing experience. Paul recently released his first painting for the show, a tribute to slasher flick victims, featuring actor and OUT columnist Jesse Archer as the damsel in distress. He is shown running through a spooky forest with a shadowy, knock-kneed monster hot on his tail. Of course the treacherous branches tear Jesse's skimpy outfit to shreds in the process, leaving him in little more than his skivvies. Archer provided the artist with photo references for the project, and even helped him connect with several other celebrities who will soon be added to the show, including Ari Gold, Alec Mapa, and Darryl Stephens.

"I've never been painted before and it's an honor because Paul is so talented," explains Jesse. "I also love his concept for me. I can't think of anything better than an homage to female slasher victims who can't keep their clothes on!" The painting, titled "In Hot Pursuit, Starring Jesse Archer," is available as a limited-edition giclee print in Paul's online store: www.paulypants.etsy.com.

Jack Mackenroth, fashion designer and Project Runway alum, commented, "I love the arts in all forms and do anything I can to support them. Paul's very talented and I am looking forward to the final piece."

The opening reception for CHEESECAKE is slated for Friday, June 11, 2010 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. The address is 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613. CHEESECAKE is curated by David Joseph.

To keep up with Paul Richmond's new work for the exhibit, visit his blog and sign up for his e-mail newsletter: www.paulrichmondstudio.blogspot.com.