John Currin is best known for his satirical, figurative paintings created using "old master" painting techniques ... but with often startling results.

Hot on the trail of major gallery show in New York that featured Currin's latest paintings, the Detroit Museum of New Art brings us the first public showing of photographs that have inspired much of Currin's work.

But lest you think you're going to wander into a gallery filled with pictures of bunnies or buildings, think again. These are erotic images that fall just short of the label of pornography. Or maybe they don't. Of the artist, essayist Hans Bieterling writes, "John Currin is the art world's new sex professional."

Detroit MoNA presentation of "Bringing Back Sexy"  just opened Jan. 27 and will be on view through Feb. 24.