Dozens of black sweater-clad art aficionados braved the frigid temps (Ok, in the 50s) to check out shock artist David LaChapelle's exhibit Jesus Is My Home Boy. The collection of photographs at Wolfgang Roth features Jesus in various urban settings.

Last Supper, shows The Man hanging with his tattooed-out boys from the 'hood in a dingy apartment. In Anointed, Jesus gets a foot bath from a hot blonde in a red bikini.

LaChappelle, 45, mingled with the crowd, greeting fans and giving out invites to his after party at the new Mondrian. Karri Andrews approached him with the latest issue of Haute Living, with LaChapelle on its cover. ''Thanks,'' said the artist, looking genuinely pleased. ``I didn't see it yet.''

Why are you such a follower? ''He pushes the envelope -- the way he brings a subject to life'' Andrews said. ``It's erotic art that's acceptable for all ages. He's kind of the pioneer of all that.''

Also exhibiting was Miami-based Belgian artist Arne Quinze. His unnamed sculpture exhibit featured many pieces that looked like brightly colored wooden boats that had been through a shipwreck. Others saw something more evocative.

''This reminds me of a treehouse,'' said Eliza Irizarry, ``or places where you hang out and play.''

-- MADELEINE MARR

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