TOM OF FINLAND Art and Culture Festival: October 6-7, 2018

This year marks the 23rd annual Tom of Finland Art and Culture Festival, located at the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument where Tom of Finland Foundation has operated since 1984.

The Festival is one of the key public events initiated and run by the Foundation, and serves as a platform in furthering its mission to preserve, protect and promote erotic art. To celebrate the release of the book, My Gay Eye, this year’s programming will focus on the purposeful commitment of collecting art, Eye on Collecting.

“What better way to say 'thank you' to an artist than investing in his vision? A review in a magazine, or a comment left, is definitely a way to show support – but to buy something by them is the ultimate way of acknowledging them. At the Festival you find what represents you, and you then get to share the artwork in your home with your friends – the gratitude is circulated.” – Durk Dehner, president and cofounder, Tom of Finland Foundation.

My Gay Eye (Mein schwules Auge) is a special Tom of Finland Foundation edition. Artists from its pages will be represented at the Festival with works available for sale including Rubén Esparza Curatorial showing Marcel Alcala, Amina Cruz, Cleonette Harris, Peter Kalisch, Naruki Kukita, Bruce LaBruce, Slava Mogutin, Gio Black Peter, Oliver Sarley, Phil Tarley and Jon Vaz Gar. Rick Castro’s Dungeon will feature John Blackburn, Sierra Domino, Paul Mahler and Joel-Peter Witkin.

Special guest artist, photographer, poet and Russian dissident, Slava Mogutin, who will read and be on hand to sign books. Steven Reigns, poet and educator, has invited notables to share their written words on Saturday, including author Clint Catalyst and performance artist Ron Athey.

TOM House will preview Secret Gay Box curated by John Wolf; the show is an expansive history of Queerness embodied in a menagerie of objects from across time. The works within are by Brian Andrew, Patrick Angus, Paul Cadmus, Hossein Edalatkhah, Don Joint, Mike Kuchar, Joseph La Piana, Robert Mapplethorpe, Jose Gonzalo Garcia Munoz, Justin Olerud, Stuart Sandford, Matt Siegle, Andy Warhol and David Wojnarowicz.

Drawings by Silvia Prada from her recently released artist book, TOM, developed in collaboration with Tom of Finland Foundation will be on view. A series of photographs by Daniel Trese taken at the Foundation in 2014 will be showcased in conjunction with his exhibition Surface Streets at Tom of Finland Store. Los Angeles’ Lethal Amounts has always focused on subversive and counter culture these. In their booth, they showcase their collaborations with artists and musicians. Jeremy Lucido, photographer, publishes Starrfucker and features zines as art. A live auction on Sunday will allow attendees to bid on classic Homoerotica.

Eye on Collecting features over 60 Queer artists. Rubén Esparza Curatorial is showing 12 artists and Rick Castro’s Dungeon will feature his work and four other artists. including Seth Bogart, Hector Silva, and the late Michael Kirwan. Resident artist Phuc Le will display his photography. Miguel Angel Reyes directs the life drawing sessions and will preview his upcoming exhibition at TOM House as will Jess Scott and Stefan Pinto. Josh Paul Thomas’ photography is the cover for My Gay Eye and he works across multiple mediums.

Saturday night’s screening is the time-honored Born to Raise Hell (1974) introduced by writer and director, Roger Earl. The film has been the standard by which all Gay SM films are judged around the world. Earl received the Tom of Finland Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Not only are visitors to the Festival offered food and beverage throughout the day, they can get their footgear shined and benefit from expert hair and facial grooming.

TOM House is the site where the artist and gay hero Tom of Finland lived and worked for the last and most prolific decade of his life, and where he fully lived what he drew. Marked by artists and a community that disarms shame and judgment, TOM House has been and continues to be a gathering place that promotes his message of being free and happy, embodied in respect and acceptance.

At TOM House

SATURDAY Art Fair - Noon to 6p Drawing Session Noon to 2p Readings - 2-3p Screening - 7p

SUNDAY Art Fair - Noon to 6p Drawing Session Noon to 2p Auction/Awards 2-3p $10 Each day - Eventbrite and door Food and Drink Available The Festival is one of the key public events initiated and run by the Foundation, and serves as a platform in furthering its mission to preserve, protect and promote erotic art. FACEBOOK

#tofARTfair

#tofARTfair | LA

MAJOR Father's Day PARTY

It's SummerTOM! | 18th June | LA

DADDY'S DAY PARKING LOT FUNRAISER 26th Annual

TOM's BAR 2017

MEAT. DANCE. SWEAT.

Balzin' DJs!

Hair Cuts & Grooming

Artwork & Books

Shopping

EAT. DRINK.

BENEFITING

Sunday 2-7p 

BRING YOUR DADDY. FIND A DADDY!

#TOMsBar2017

PRESENTED BY

$10 | $8 ToFF Members  FACEBOOK EVENT

Tour Tom of Finland exhibitions | 15th April | Berlin

TOM OF FINLAND  THE LEATHER UNIFORM

These are the drawings that have, and continue, to create urges, desires, obsessions and a lifelong male identity for tens of thousands of Gay men around the world - TOM’s Men.

Touko Laaksonen: The Man Behind Tom of Finland

Durk Dehner, president and cofounder Tom of Finland Foundation, gives special, free guided tours. He speaks about the risks that Tom of Finland took over and over again in just getting his art to the men who desired it - those who were so deeply affected by it. How the artist provided his audience with an identity that had not previously been available to them. And all of this happening pre-Internet!

Meet at Salon Dahlmann at noon, Marburger Str. 3., for Loves and Lives and view over 20 of Tom's masterworks and discover the life of the artist.

2:00p at Galerie Judin, Potsdamer Straße 83, for Ecce Homo. Gallery director Juerg Judin joins for a walk through of the largest exhibition of Tom of Finland preliminary drawings ever mounted (select works for sale).

There will be discussion of the role Tom of Finland played in the development of the Gay men's Leather culture starting in the late '50s.

In conjunction with BLF, there will be a special bus that will stop at Galerie Judin around 2p on its way to the Party Fetish Boat.

You can enter a free raffle at either location for the fine art print above. The drawing will be held on Sunday at 5p at the Leather Social Berlin (no requirement to be present).

FACEBOOK EVENT

1st Festival Video

Tom of Finland Art and Culture Festival 2016 | 1st-2nd October | TOM House

Super Sexy

HOSTED BY Dave Faunce, Mr. International Olympus Leather 2014 Matthew Mullins, Mr. West Coast Olympus Leather 2015

TOM's Bar |19th June | LA

Join 800 hot, sexy TOM's Men to Celebrate The World of TOM on Father's Day

BRING YOUR DADDY. FIND A DADDY!

Festivities are ignited by rockin’ DJs Max Bruce and Matt Pernicano, special guests, go-go boys and include a drawing workshop coordinated by Miguel Angel Reyes.

ART & ARTISTS

Special Guests

Vendors Demos Contests

Tunes Eats GoGo Deluxe

Donation $10 - $8 ToFF Members

Supported by: Faultline Los Angeles Band Of Brothers Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

The event will be the Foundation’s 25th annual commemoration of the artist Tom of Finland, whose real name was Touko Laaksonen; he died in Finland in 1991. TOM’s Bar 2016 is presented by Los Angeles Band of Brothers and marks the 22nd anniversary of Tom of Finland events sponsored by Faultline.

FACEBOOK EVENT

VOLUNTEERS

#TOMsBar2016

Tom of Finland competition deadline - 3rd November

The purpose of this contest is to encourage artists to share their work by rewarding the best examples.

The Grand Prize includes a Tom of Finland drawing.

See Previous Year's Winners

2014 Judges: assume vivid astro focus, Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide-Pierson; Elmgreen and Dragset, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset; Richard Hawkins; Ryan Heffington; Bruce LaBruce; Helmut Lang; Linder; and A.L. Steiner.

TOM OF FINLAND EMERGING ARTIST COMPETITION 2014

Movie Night at TOM House | 6th November | LA

Hosted by Special Guest Michael Kirwan

Our scintillating cinematic series begins with The Celluloid Closet

A documentary surveying the various Hollywood screen depictions of homosexuals and the attitudes behind them throughout the history of North American film.

Live Entertainment

Free Popcorn

$5 Suggested Donation

TOM's Bar 7:30p - Showtime 8:00p

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

FACEBOOK EVENT

SAVE THE DATE!

Competition is extended to 31st July!

Competition is open!

TOM's Bar | 15th June | LA

Help Us Celebrate the Historic Tom of Finland Postage Stamps

Countdown to TOM OF FINLAND Day! | 8th May

8th May is TOM's birthday. All over the globe - friends and fans of TOM, his art and his message should come together for a toast, a party - a full-blown celebration!

Wherever you are - bar, tavern, pub, saloon, lounge, taphouse or watering hole - or meeting, gathering or group - raise a glass, enjoy yourselves and be sexy with absolutely no shame or guilt - TOM style!

If you are in Los Angeles, Brent Corrigan invites you to

TOM's Birthday Party Thursday, 8th May 7-10p TOM House

Drinks - Eats - Games

Tunes: RocketManLA

Yes, please gifts. Donations gleefully accepted. Become a Member of the Foundation TOM started!

Tom of Finland's real name is Touko - he was born on 8 May 1920, on the south coast of Finland, and May in Finnish is "Toukokuu".

TOM's Angels | 21st March | LA-Long Beach

Featured events for LA Leather Pride | 21st - 30th March

Celebrate Pride

Two TOM events are nominated!

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Tom of Finland Tableaux Vivant @ TOM House | 16th February | LA

and Mr. Sister Leather 2014

Invite the Leather Community to a Live Art Show

TOM OF FINLAND (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920 - 1991) Untitled, 1987, Graphite on paper, #87.04 ©1987 Tom of Finland Foundation

The tableaux vivant (living picture) includes a showcase of some well known pieces of TOM's art.

Suggested $10 donation for Tom of Finland Foundation and Grant Park Foundation

Light Refreshments

Door Prizes from 665, Wet and Tom of Finland Foundation.

Sunday, 3:30p

TOM House (Echo Park) 1421 Laveta Terrace Los Angeles, California 90026

Celebrate Daddy's Day for TOM - 16th June - LA

PLEASE COME OUT AND HONOR TOM

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991), Untitled (Detail), 1965, Graphite on paper, ToFF #65.02, © 1965 Tom of Finland Foundation

HONOR YOURSELF AND CELEBRATE

Tom asked me not to have a funeral but to have a party - like a scene from his artwork - people coming together and having a hell of a good time. We created a celebration - the first 'TOM's Bar' in 1992, which has become a Tom of Finland Foundation annual event honoring Tom. -Durk Dehner

I wanted to show Gays they can feel happy together. I wanted to tell them they have a right to enjoy life in their way - Gays being together feeling happy, being proud of who they are.  -Tom of Finland

FAULTLINE LOT PARTY

SUNDAY, 2-7 PM

ARTISTS SILENT AUCTION CONTESTS | PRIZES GIVE-AWAYS

$10 DONATION - $8 TOFF MEMBERS

Proceeds From the 22nd Annual TOM's Bar Used to Benefit Tom of Finland Foundation

4216 MELROSE AVENUE | LA 90004

TOM OF FINLAND Day!

8th May is TOM's birthday. EVERY 8th May from here on - all over the globe - friends and fans of TOM, his art and his messages should come together for a toast, a party - why not a full-on celebration? Let's make it an official TOM day!

TOM really deserves hero status for all he gave to our culture and foremost what he gave to developing Homosexuals, starting at a time when we had no positive role models with which to identify.

We'll raise a glass, enjoy ourselves and be sexy with absolutely no shame or guilt - TOM style!

TOM House celebrates - 20th March - LA

THE RITES OF SPRING Celebration of the Spring Equinox

Wednesday, 7:00 PM - Midnight (Smack dab in the middle of L. A. LEATHER PRIDE, which is very fitting)

Tom of Finland Foundation Echo Park

 Special Guest – COLTON FORD

Our OFFERINGS - Spring is a time of new beginnings. It's when seeds sprout, cells multiply, animals seek mates and the hunger swells. Nature's forces draw us out into the moonshadow with all its glorious energies paying homage to our yearnings. In ancient and pagan tradition, we shall erect an Altar to the Almighty PHALLUS. This shrine on this special day will be as magnificent as the tributes it receives as offerings to the Exalted COCK.

So bring your fetishes - be one yourself. Make sure to bring along some food and drink to satisfy your palate and entice your brethren. This is a celebration of Nymphs and Faeries, Satyrs and Demons, Warlocks and High Priestesses with good ol' Lucifer manifesting through some of the Hell Raisers out for a night of pleasuring. All are encouraged to bring a garment, some gear, a book or work of art - items of interest - to hawk, peddle or barter, to make the evening all the more interesting. Sexy dress. Bring something for the TOM House donation jar (let's keep the lights on and the toilets flushing). Larger tax-deductible donations are always perfectly acceptable.

Our Pleasure Park will be open for planting and seeding, with a May Pole creation, Nordic Rune casting, a tribal Smoke Lodge (cigars) and a hut for making things grow (pumping). Special prayers can be verbalized and internalized in our Pit where they empower all of us as Gods and Goddesses of the Homosexual Realm.

This is the RITES OF SPRING - Let it be your new awakening. We all grew up having to cover up and adjust to society. Never forget we are woven from uncommon threads of life. Consider the possibilities. Come and be authentically YOU.

Please email Office@TomOfFinlandFoundation.org to let us know you are coming.

TOM's Club - 29th September - LA

LIVE THE FANTASY

21+ Private Play Party for Men

Produced by

Inner Touch Hands

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled, 1983, Marker on paper
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection #83.25
© 1983 Tom of Finland Foundation

Launch of “Tom of Finland”, a new book on the legend
28th-30th September - LA

Artist Reservations - ToFF Erotic Art Fair
28th - 30th September

West Hollywood - Los Angeles Erotic Art Fair Weekend 2012

XAVIER GICQUEL (French, 1965- ) Pin-up Tom of Finland, 2008

The Weekend provides a unique opportunity for artists from around the world to display and sell their erotic work to the public. Every medium is welcomed - painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media and digital work. The Foundation's staff curates the Fair to ensure a variety of styles and media and strives to include work representing all genders and sexual orientations.

Artist Reservation Page

Mark Your Calendar
Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair Weekend 2012
28th-30th September

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled (Detail), 1978, Marker on paper
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection #78.59
©1978 Tom of Finland Foundation

  Strap on your happy-hats, because the BIGGEST, best Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair Weekend is coming your way on the 28th, 29th and 30th of September, 2012, and this year we are putting the EROTIC back into the Weekend. Along with finding a venue that allows for alcohol (that's a big cha-ching when it comes to art sales) our live figure drawing workshops will once again feature ALL the flesh that turned TOM intercontinental! But wait! You say you want more, more, more?!?!

As an added 10 and 1/2 inch bonus, our good buddies Tom and David of Ass-Bust fame (and the fine proprietors of Studio Servitu), are teaming up to put on TOM's CLUB - a big, throbbing private, play party intended to inspire action in the deepest depths of your inner artists. You can join or renew your ToFF membership now, before the event, or at the door. Details to follow...

From Turku to Stockholm - TOM retrospective - 27th of June

Tom of Finland tours to Stockholm to continue its hugely successful international program in Sweden

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled (1 of 6 from "Men of the Forest" series), 1957
Graphite on paper, 13" x 9.5"
Bob Mizer/AMG Collection
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection #57.03
©1957-2012 Tom of Finland Foundation

The year-long exhibition attracted a record audience of 90,000 in Turku, Finland and is now touring to the prestigious Kulturhuset Stockholm in June 2012 for 3 months.

The exhibition was a key part of Turku European Capital of Culture 2011 and is presented by Turku 2011 Foundation; Homotopia, Liverpool; and Tom of Finland Foundation.

KULTURHUSET

ART at FAIRS - Spring & Fall

Plans are now being made for Tom of Finland Foundation's 2012 Art Fair Weekend, which will be held September 27^th through the 30^th. We will have a larger and more "current" venue that will be more attractive to Artists and Collectors alike and we return to the successes of previous autumns. We want to provide a more fitting exhibition space and room, both for our formal discussions, and relaxed conversation.

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled (Detail), 1978, Marker on paper
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection #78.59
© 1978 Tom of Finland Foundation

An important part of this 2012 Weekend will be the presence of the winners of our biennial artist contest, the celebration of the 20^th anniversary edition of Tom's biography and the completion of our new art storage facility at TOM House.

The Foundation is steadfast in its commitment to protect and preserve artwork and to promote the exceptional artists that create it.

Art is an integral part of Gay culture. Change INSPIRES.

On Sunday, March 25^th, you'll find ToFF at LA Fetish Pride's Street Fair! Please join us at this cultural event with adult beverage, kinky vendors and good friends. What more do you need?

Queering Wikipedia Editathon 2
22nd July
TOM House - LA

The library will provide access to a unique collection for reference purposes, to edit and create queer/LGBTQIA Wikipedia content.

There will be a world class Wikipedian (who was at the Wikipedia conference at the Alexandria Library in Egypt!) teaching the editing workshop, so for those of you who want to learn how to edit Wikipedia please arrive by 1:30pm.

1:00 - 5:00 pm Sunday, 22nd July, 2012

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991) Untitled (Preliminary drawing for #85.11), 1985 Graphite on paper, 16.63" x 11.75" ToFF #0960, ©1985 Tom of Finland Foundation

Please contact Katie at kherzog@TomOfFinlandFoundation.org

Tom of Finland Foundation Library TOM House Echo Park

TOM's Bar - THE Party - June 17th - LA

TOM WANTED A BIG, WILD PARTY AND YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

"My whole life long I have done nothing but interpret my dreams of ultimate masculinity, and draw them." - Tom of Finland

4216 MELROSE AVENUE | LA 90004

        

SAVE THE DATE - TOM's Bar - June 17th - LA

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled (Detail from "Cycle Club Initation")
1965, Graphite on paper, #65.02
©1965 Tom of Finland Foundation

Daddy's Day Sunday June 17 2 - 7pm

$10 Benefit Cover ($8 ToFF Members)

FAULTLINE BAR Los Angeles 

“Tom of Finland Party” - 04/08 - Palm Springs

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991), Untitled (Detail), 1981, Graphite on paper, ToFF #81.16 ©1981 Tom of Finland Foundation

Easter Sunday, 2:00 - 7:00 PM

FUN and GAMES ART and ARTISTS GIVE a WAYS

A BENEFIT FOR

Five Dollar Donation Kindly Suggested at Door

PLENTY of HOT

For Those Who Know What They Like

67-625 East Palm Canyon Drive Cathedral City, California

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Noon - 2:00 or 2:00 - 4:00? Volunteers@TomOfFinlandFoundation.org

Antebellum's Fetish Book Club  - "Gay Spirit: Myth and Meaning" | April 23 | Los Angeles, CA

presents Fetish Book Club @TOM House

This Month's Selection: Gay Spirit Myth and Meaning Edited by Mark Thompson

1PM * $10 COVER

"Cultural editor of the Advocate, Thompson here collects previously published articles and book excerpts from the magazine, each an attempt to define the status of gay men. In an introduction he distinguishes between homosexual (a form of sexuality) and gay: 'A social identity and consciousness actively chosen.' The text discusses the gay's role in politics, religion, culture, identity. Among the contributors are Judy Grahn, author of lesbian/feminist works; Malcolm Boyd, activist Episcopal priest; Harry Hay, a founder of the Mattachine Society; and writer William S. Burroughs."

- Publishers Weekly

"Gay Spirit is so terrific at making the reader feel there might be something more wondrous, more miraculous to life... The book's exciting challenge to conventional thinking is that it's not merely time for society to tolerate but time to cherish its intermediate sexual types."

- Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Gay Spirit is daring, which only proves its timeliness... It signals the opening of a new area of gay publishing, a field of spiritual exploration outside the context of religion or politics."

- The Advocate

The Antebellum Fetish Book Club seeks to celebrate, share and increase understanding of literary works that explore fetish as an experience and facet of culture.

@ TOM House

Our bus stop is Sunset/Echo Park. We are serviced by Metro lines 4/704 and 2/302. Also the 603 to Alvarado/Sunset.

Continue on Sunset Boulevard to Laveta Terrace, then up the short hill and up the Grand Stairs until Laveta Terrace levels out and another 1/2 block. TOM House is on your left. The House is only a 0.3 mile walk from the bus stop.

1421 Laveta Terrace is on a residential street so you may also want to consider using Uber or Lyft.

TOM House (Foundation Headquarters) 1421 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park) Map

Antebellum's Fetish Book Club - "When We Rise: My Life in The Movement" | March 19 | Los Angeles, CA

1PM  * $10 COVER

The Fetish Book Club seeks to celebrate, share and increase understanding of literary works that explore fetish as an experience and facet of culture.

For more information contact: antebellum@earthlink.net

@ TOM House

Our bus stop is Sunset/Echo Park. We are serviced by Metro lines 4/704 and 2/302. Also the 603 to Alvarado/Sunset.

Continue on Sunset Boulevard to Laveta Terrace, then up the short hill and up the Grand Stairs until Laveta Terrace levels out and another 1/2 block. TOM House is on your left. The House is only a 0.3 mile walk from the bus stop.

1421 Laveta Terrace is on a residential street so you may also want to consider using Uber or Lyft.

TOM House (Foundation Headquarters) 1421 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park) Map

"New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei" | March 12th | Los Angeles, CA

New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei explores the life and career of pioneering actor, activist, and social media icon George Takei, who currently serves on the Japanese American National Museum's Board of Trustees. By examining Takei's diverse experiences and achievements, this entertaining exhibition creates a portrait of a unique individual while offering an innovative means of engaging with the social history of America.

Takei has been an innovator on many fronts. Through a curated selection of his artifacts, New Frontiers captures a long and colorful life while also providing a space to reflect on some of the social and political changes that rippled through America during the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition begins with Takei's childhood and his incarceration, along with his family, at the Rohwer and Tule Lake concentration camps during World War II. It then moves through his career as one of the first successful Japanese American actors in Hollywood; his public service appointments, including stints on the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Japan-United States Friendship Commission; his coming out as a gay man and his celebrated marriage to longtime partner Brad Takei (née Altman); his ongoing activism on behalf of the Japanese American and LGBTQ communities; his wild popularity as a social media figure; and much more.

New Frontiers draws on the George and Brad Takei Collection, a treasure trove of personal artifacts recently donated to the Japanese American National Museum by the Takeis. The collection includes photographs, correspondence, scripts, awards, campaign materials from his 1973 Los Angeles City Council bid, and one-of-a-kind artworks made by his legions of fans. Of special note are a sculpture made from a swamp root by Takei's father while the family was incarcerated during World War II at the Rohwer concentration camp in Arkansas; the walking stick Takei carried on his ascent of Mount Fuji in Japan; the Olympic torch he carried in the lead-up to the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles; and the key to the city of Roanoke, Virginia. Takei traveled to Roanoke in 2015 to meet with its mayor, David Bowers, after Bowers cited the use of Japanese American concentration camps to justify suspending the relocation of Syrian refugees to the city.

New Frontiers is curated by noted author, journalist, and cultural critic Jeff Yang.

Everything you need | 24th October | LA

Leather & Motorcycle History - Reception | 31st May | LA-Long Beach

Cultural Alliance of Long Beach

Hosted by Marc Bellenger, Mr. Long Beach Leather 2013

FACEBOOK EVENT

TOM @ RUMBLE | 31st May | LA-Long Beach

Before and during the Second World War, what leather clothing there was, was always brown. Suddenly, right about 1950, the black biker's "uniform" appeared. It is amazing how fast it spread around the world. I have been told that I influenced its birth.  -Tom of Finland

In the early part of the 1950s, Tom was fast at work drawing his men in uniform-style gear, combining his uniform fetish with the garb of the tough boys. The defining moment for him was when he saw some stills of Marlon Brando from the film The Wild One. As Tom said, "I immediately felt it, that my men would wear black leather from that point on." He transposed his brown leather jackets, breeches and caps into black. The "Leatherman" was born.

Tom had a tailor in Helsinki make him a pair of black leather breeches and jackets soon after. Being somewhat of a dandy, he wanted to go somewhere public all geared up; he was known for making appearances at the local motocross. He forwarded his drawings of men in full leather gear to his pals in England and Germany. The effect was contagious - they, too, had gear made - and would send back to Tom photos of themselves all decked out. In turn, Tom was inspired to do more and to keep on elaborating on the gear and improving his ability to render the feel of leather. This was the beginning of what was to become the international Gay Leather scene. -Tom of Finland: Life and Work of a Gay Hero

DRINK - EAT - SAVOR - REMEMBER

Hosted by Marc Bellenger, Mr. Long Beach Leather 2013

 Rumble - Leather & Motorcycles, the Long Road to Equality
is an Overview of LGBT History in Los Angeles and Long Beach
and Our Influence on the Nation

$10 Suggested Donation

FACEBOOK EVENT

"Rumble" | 1st-31st May | LA-Long Beach

3rd May LA Band of Brothers - Hosted Reception & Fundraiser 10th May Satyrs M/C Grand Reception - Entertainment, Bike Show, Food & Cocktails 17th & 18th May Long Beach Pride Weekend Event 24th May Cultural Alliance Long Beach - Hosted Reception 31st May Tom of Finland Foundation Exhibit - Closing Reception and Fundraiser

Exhibitions Open Wednesdays through Sundays

Rumble - Leather & Motorcycles, the Long Road to Equality is an Overview of LGBT History in Los Angeles and Long Beach and Our Influence on the Nation

Benefit for TOM's Foundation | 13th April | LA

The Event of the Season

Hosted by Jordan Frink, Mr. Sister Leather & Daphne Von Rey

Brunch Tickets

Show - $10 Donation at Door

Prizes Galore!

Wear Your Finest

Bob Mizer and Tom of Finland: First American museum exhibition celebrates Homoerotica

By the time the gay liberation movement swept through the United States in the late 1960s, both Tom of Finland and Bob Mizer were already well-known and widely celebrated as veritable pioneers of gay art. Decades before Stonewall Inn and the raid on the Black Cat Tavern these evocative and lusty representations of masculine desire and joyful, eager sex between men proliferated and were disseminated worldwide at a time when the closet was still very much the norm—there was no such thing as a gay community. If these artists were not ahead of their time, they might just have foreseen and even invented a time.

Bob Mizer & Tom of Finland November 2, 2013–January 26, 2014 THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, LOS ANGELES

MOCA to ONE | 12th January | LA-WeHo

PLEASE RSVP

Spend the night with TOM | 9th November | West Hollywood 

Bob Mizer & Tom of Finland

Exhibition evoted to their erotic art.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Pacific Design Center

6-9p North San Vicente, between Santa Monica & Melrose

- - -

Art & Physique Circa Bob & Tom

Exhibition exploring context surrounding erotic art.

ONE Gallery

6-9p El Tovar and North Robertson, between Santa Monica & Melrose

- - -

GoGo Dancer Appreciation Festival

The theme is TOM OF FINLAND.

The City of West Hollywood

7:30-10:30p Larrabee & Santa Monica

Tom of Finland @ LA PRIDE - 8th-9th June

Featuring an amazing array of art exhibits and entertainment within the 18-and-over area of Erotic City.

Artists from Tom of Finland Foundation with Drawing Workshops.

Hellraiser creator Clive Barker will be showcasing some of his works of never-before-seen art.

Jay Lawton Project 50 Photo Collection on exhibition.

West Hollywood Park Saturday | Noon - Midnight Sunday | 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Erotic City provides a place where people can explore their erotic fantasies and explore their curiosities. Erotic City is a place where being overwhelmed is a good thing, where the taboo is commonplace and where the atmosphere is sensual.

Volunteers are invited to pitch in! REMEMBER, VOLUNTEERS GET IN FREE! Volunteers@TomOfFinlandFoundation.org 213.250.1685

SCHWEIN 2 | 17th August | LA

Join hundreds of LA's HOTTEST, HORNED-UP GUYS in this balls-out underground adventure featuring darkrooms & debaucheries geared towards you dirty boys. Butch attire required. The sickest mixes straight from Berlin and guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumped & butt thumped.

Unleash your inner-pig!

AIDS Charity LifeRide - 12th May - LA

Auction items include artwork by TOM OF FINLAND, DRUB and GEORGE QUAINTANCE

If you can't make it to the run, please join us at Pistons for the BBQ, Auction and Party at 3p.

A benefit for TOM's Foundation! - 15th March - LA

LA Leather Pride - 16th March

TRADITION: Looking Back...Moving Forward

This week long event celebrates the rich history, diversity and brotherhood in our Southern California Leather Community. The celebration culminates with the selection of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2013, and concludes with a Victory Brunch & the 10th Annual SouthlandaA Honors Awards.

LA Leather Pride Packages

Hans Berlin - 3rd March - LA

Rough Trade's Art Lot Sale - 25th August - LA

We're inviting artists to join us on Saturday to show their work.

Tom of Finland Foundation Sergio Kardenas Jeremy Lucido WOOF MONKEY Tom Wang Marky "Make-Up" Andrews Jay Lawton Hector Silva Baking Queens Jose Avendano Michael Kirwan Salvaodr Alvarez Gregorio Davila Abel Pamatz Art Kartashian Gregory Barnett Kenneth Almanza Martin Matamoros Johnny G E. Salvador Hernandez Mark Flanders Leopoldo Xhico Donnie Madden Carlos Ortega Miguel Angel Reyes

We'll be opening our entire back lot for the event!

With music by DJ Daddy Deluxx

Tom of Finland & Rasputin - 28th July - West Hollywood

Tom of Finland Foundation & Rasputin: Russian Love Machine

lf I don't have an erection when I'm doing a drawing, I know it's no good. - Tom of Finland

 Brought to you by Luke Nero and Andrés Rigal, with hosts Miguel Angel Reyes and SOLD OUT Clothing

Saturday, 9:00 pm to 2:00 am No Cover | No Rules

THE ROBERTSON NIGHTCLUB

"LESS THAN 10 INCHES" - 06/29 - Hollywood

ANTEBELLUM

ToFF @ LA PRIDE 2012 - June 9-10

WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday 12-12 Sunday 11-11

You must be 18 or over to enjoy the informative, hot and entertaining programs, panels and competitions that showcase the sensuality and eroticism of the human spirit. Explore, watch the captivating presentations and MEET ARTISTS & TAKE HOME EROTIC ART!

LIFE DRAWING Saturday 3-7 Sunday 2-6

Bring your pad and pencil!

BE THE FIRST TO GET A COPY

Just Released! Tom Bikers

REMEMBER, VOLUNTEERS GET IN FREE! Volunteers@TomOfFinlandFoundation.org 213.250.1685

_______________________

SUNDAY On the Parade Route

A BENEFIT PARTY FOR TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION Dance, Drink & Party

9-6

8623 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD

LA PRIDE Parade Route
Benefit for Tom of Finland Foundation
Sunday, June 10th

8623 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD WEST HOLLYWOOD

ToFF @ EROTIC CITY | LA PRIDE 2012 - June 8-10

Proud to be part of it!

LA PRIDE 2012 | EROTIC CITY

West Hollywood

FETISH STREET FAIR
Art, Vendors, Smut, Fun
Sunday - 03/25 - LA

CHECK OUT THE ART & ARTISTS

ANGELYNE ARTDADDY AXLE CLAY WIZ HECTOR SILVA HENNING VON BERG JAYPG PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY WRENN JESUS OF SILVERLAKE MICHAEL KIRWAN MINORU RICHARD JOHNSON RICK CASTRO

BENT-CON

INSTIGATOR STARRFUCKER

Drawing Workshop 1 - 4 p

With MIGUEL ANGEL REYES $10 + Door

Indoor & Outdoor Fun, plus a Fashion Show and presentation @ 4PM.

RAIN OR SHINE!

THRESHOLD
11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, California

"Fetish Happy Hour" - 03/20 - LA

FETISH HAPPY HOUR

Guest Master Shavers: Raven Dan Lovell Jesus of Silverlake

Guest Bootblack: $ex Artiste!

Cigars Available from Antebellum Cigar Girl: Auralynn

Tuesday, March 20 5 to 9 p 

No-Host Bar21 & Over

ANTEBELLUM

1643 North Las Palmas Avenue Hollywood

FETISH STREET FAIR - 03/25 - LA

Close out LA Fetish Pride at Threshold in North Hollywood 1PM - 7PM $10

Celebrate with the new Mr LAL at this pansexual, multi-fetish street fair.

TOM OF FINLAND ® 1983 Tom of Finland Foundation 

Art & artists, vendors, food, drink,smut, demos, DJ Candy, Indoor & Outdoor Fun, plus a Fashion Show and presentation @ 4PM.

MORE INFO

LA Fetish Pride - March 16-25, 2012

A blend of LALC-produced events and independent producer events.
The idea is pretty simple: create a non-stop 10-day fetish celebration!

TOM OF FINLAND
® 1989 Tom of Finland Foundation

-Mr LA Leather 2012 Victory Brunch - Oil Can Harry's

-End of the Road Street Fair - Threshold
Art & artists, vendors, food, drink, smut, demos, DJ Candy, Indoor & Outdoor Fun, plus a Fashion Show and presentation @ 4PM

TOM OF FINLAND ® 1983 Tom of Finland Foundation

CALENDAR | TICKETS

"Part 2: Drawing eXXhibition of Latin Men" - 02/25 - LA

HOSTED BY MIGUEL ANGEL REYES

Saturday, February 25, 2012 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

"Zona Rosa" @ The Palms 8572 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood, California

"TILT-SHIFT L.A." - 01/28 - LA

LUIS DE JESUS LOS ANGELES

proudly presents

TILT-SHIFT L.A.

New Queer Perspectives on the Western Edge

CURATED BY DARIN KLEIN & FRIENDS

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 25, 2012

Artists Reception: Saturday, January 28, from 6 - 9 PM

Opening-Night Performance by OUR LADY J

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

 Brandon Andrew | Zackary Drucker = A. L. Steiner | Deanna Erdmann | Matt Greene

Abel Baker Gutierrez | Lia Halloran | Danny Jauregui

Matt Lipps | prvtdncr & bodega vendetta | Christopher Russell & Halle Tate

George Stoll | Suzanne Wright

Series of free programs will be presented at the gallery during the run of the exhibition:

Saturday, January 28, 2012, 6 to 9 pm: Opening artists reception and performance by Our Lady J

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 2 to 6 pm: 'Zine Fest 2012!

Saturday, February 18, 2012, 6 to 8 pm: itch dance performance

2685 SOUTH LA CIENEGA BOULEVARD

LUIS DE JESUS LOS ANGELES

Drawing Workshops - January - Hollywood

SUNDAYS, NOON TIL THREE

January 15th - $30

Model: Amit, 5'10", 180lbs, Middle Eastern

January 22nd - $40

January 29th - $30

Please Call For Information 323.782.0573

"Raunch" - RELEASE party - 01/20 - LA

FRIDAY, January 20, 2012 9p - 2a

FAULTLINE BAR 4216 Melrose Avenue

DJ JOSH SPARBER Sleazy Music + GoGo Men

CELEBRATING the release of
STARRFUCKER MAGAZINE issue 04

ARTISTS Gabe Ayala, HOMO RIOT, Carmine Santaniello, Gabriel Gastelum, Manuel Acevedo, Trevor Wayne, Jeremy Lucido, Fernando Carpaneda, Tom of Finland, Axel, Fernando Reyes, Minoru, Rob Clarke, Nigel Kent, Gorilla, Muscle Boy Matt, Michael Kirwan and Xavier Gicquel.

FADE DRA PHEY PORN GIVEAWAYS

CREATED by Jeremy Lucido and Gabe Ayala

TOM's Erotic Art
Bondage & Slave Auction
HOST: Dylan Foxx

Music by DJ Rick

MJs
2810 Hyperion Avenue
Silver Lake, California
323.660.1503

Sunday, March 20 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Location

ONE NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN ARCHIVES
909 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 741-0094

More Info

ONE Culture Series: Rick Castro "The Perfect Gentleman"

Description
Rick Castro has been in the forefront of counterculture art, fetish photography and independent film for over 25 years, all-the-while working and creating in his hometown of Los Angeles. Join Rick for a trip down memory lane, (1986 thru 2010) indulge in his images, vision and ideas about fetish, subculture and how they are defining 21 century culture. A perfect way to kick off LA leather week-2011.

 Rick is an independent filmmaker, photographer and curator. His work has been published in artist editions, exhibitions and institutions worldwide. Castros works are in the permanent collections of The Alfred Kinsey Institute and The Tom Of Finland Foundation. His photography has been featured in Art in America, Flaunt, Attitude UK, DNA and Tetu magazines. He was the west coast editor for Studio Magazines, (Blue, Black & White) Australia from 2001 till 2007. Castro co-wrote and co-directed the iconic film Hustler White with Bruce La Bruce in 1996. Rick also directed the infamous doco called PLUSHIES & FURRIES, for MTV in 2001. He has created two books of his photography. Castro, (1991) and 13 Years of Bondage, (2004). Castro has lectured about his work at NYU, UCLA, UCSB, Track 16 Gallery, Bergamont Station, and 18th Street Arts Complex. On November 11th, 2005, Rick founded ANTEBELLUM gallery in Hollywood. Rick considers antebellum only fetish art gallery in America, and perhaps the world. 

Rick Castro has lived and worked in Los Angeles his entire life.

ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives
Visual Arts,


Date: March 20, 2011
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Where: ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives (Downtown LA)
909 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, 90007

Cross Streets: West Adams Blvd. / Figueroa Street
Admission: There is a suggested $5.00 donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 

Phone: (213) 741-0094

feature inc. > i want that inside me - 13 June - NYC 

TOM OF FINLAND, Untitled, 1980, Graphite on paper, 8.75" x 11.75" ToFF #0043, ©1980 Tom of Finland Foundation

"Rare and Raw" - 15th February - NYC

A curated exhibition exploring Queer representation, historical visual culture and contemporary art production.

G. B. JONES, Prison Breakout #1, 1991 Graphite on paper, 9.00" x 7.00"

Rare & Raw contains a combination of contemporary installations, archival photographs, drawings, ephemera and video.

The exhibition conceptually sequences works based on themes such as power, sexuality, history and the Queer gaze. Co-curaors Steph Rogerson and Kelly McCray are pairing the works of more senior artists with their younger counterparts in order to cast light upon the different ways in which inter-generational artists engage with the same issues.

TOM OF FINLAND, Untitled (Preliminary for Jailhouse series) 1987, Graphite on paper, 11.75" x 8.25" ©1987 Tom of Finland Foundation

"We the People" - 3rd October - NYC

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Presents
A Portrait of the American Populace Thru the Eyes of 50 Artists

Curated by Alison Gingeras and Jonathan Horowitz

3rd October - 9th November, 2012

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Project Space

455 West 19th Street New York, NY 10011

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday

Free admission

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled, 1964, Graphite on paper, 11.31" x 9.38"
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection
and Feature Inc., New York
©1964 Tom of Finland Foundation

Timed to coincide with the America presidential election,
the exhibition will create a diorama of the America populace
using strategically chosen examples of figurate painting, sculpture and photography.

Tanya Bonakdar Gallery is extremely pleased to present Multiple Pleasures: Functional Objects in Contemporary Art, a broad and dynamic survey exhibition featuring over 150 specially selected objects and artworks by more than 90 contemporary artists. Each work blurs the boundaries between utility and aesthetics in a complex series of compellingly seductive and thought provoking ways. Emphasizing a trend in contemporary art that has only become more evident over the past several years, the exhibition features artists from the renowned to the emerging, each of whom embraces the soft definitions between architecture, design, and artmaking, creating items for use while staying completely authentic to the core of their art making and studio practice.

The works span a broad range of categories - an executive desk, a working lamp, a functional chair, a wearable sweater, salt and pepper shakers, a chess set, puzzles, swings, garden fountains and bird feeders - each with a dual life, existing both to serve a practical purpose and an appealing aesthetic one. In a contemporary culture that celebrates the complex interdependence of form, function and material accumulation, these items somehow fulfill needs and desires never before proposed or considered.

From Andrea Zittel's bronze Vertical Accumulators wall hooks to Ed Ruscha's limited edition beach towels, the exhibition covers both the cerebral and lighthearted. Many of the pieces are endowed with a sense of whimsy and capriciousness; though intellectually compelling, they provide a sense of levity and entertainment. And while there is a certain playfulness to each work featured, their exquisite materiality and substance is only compounded by their potential for employment.

Presenting a broad and exacting selection of work by well-known contemporary artists, alongside some of today's most vital newcomers, the exhibition includes a sonic table by Doug Aitken, a bubbling fountain of stacked truck tires by Rob Pruitt, Olafur Eliasson Starbrick lamps, newly produced outdoor benches by Jason Meadows, Tom Burr and Rirkrit Tiravanija, an oversized chess set by Barbara Kruger, a dining table by Urs Fischer, and dinner and tea sets by Cindy Sherman. Among the smaller items in the exhibition are newly produced mugs by CandyAsss, a shower curtain by Lisa Yuskavage, t-shirts by Olaf Breuning, Kathryn Garcia and many others.

Multiple Pleasures is curated by Nathalie Karg, founder of Cumulus Studios. Established in 2008, Cumulus Studios invites contemporary artists to create a functional object for outdoors including furniture and items related to games, sport, and gardening.

A full list of the artists included in Multiple Pleasures is listed below.

Doug Aitken, Kai Althoff, Lisa Anne Auerbach, Tauba Auerbach, Ross Bleckner, Barbara Bloom, John Bock, Martin Boyce, Olaf Breuning, Cecily Brown, Tom Burr, George Condo, Confetti System, Catherine Czacki, N. Dash, David Deutsch, Francesca DiMattio, Mark Dion, Peter Doig, Coco Dolle. Jim Drain, Marcel Dzama, Olafur Eliasson, Urs Fischer, Ryan Gander, Kathryn Garcia, General Idea, Liam Gillick, Piero Golia, Mark Gonzalez, Douglas Gordon, Mary Heilmann, Damien Hirst, Jim Hodges, Evan Holloway, Christian Jankowski, Matt Keegan, William Kentridge, Barbara Kruger, Shio Kusaka, Jim Lambie, Cary Leibowitz, Atelier Van Lieshout, Charles Long, Lovett/Codagnone, Sarah Lucas, Jan Mancuska, Ari Marcopoulos, Adam McEwen, Jason Meadows, Jonathan Meese, Jessica Sofia Mitrani, Damian Moppett, Dave Muller, Yoshimoto Nara, Ernesto Neto, Marcel Odenbach, Jorge Pardo, Jack Pierson, Richard Prince, Rob Pruitt, Noam Rappaport, Tobias Rehberger, Ed Ruscha, Will Ryman, Kenny Scharf, Thomas Scheibitz, Joel Shapiro, Jim Shaw, Cindy Sherman, David Shrigley, Peter Simensky, Andreas Slominski, William Stone, Sarah Sze, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Tom of Finland, Rosemarie Trockel, Paloma Varga Weisz, Ben Vautier, Leo Villareal, John Waters, Nicole Wermers, Eric Wesley, Franz West, Kehinde Wiley, Rob Wynne, Aaron Young, Lisa Yuskavage, and Andrea Zittel.

PRESS

The Summer Bazaar, Functional Objects in Contemporary Art
curated by Nathalie Karg/Cumulus Studios

Experience a feast for the senses now through July 30 at the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery for Multiple Pleasures: Functional Objects in Contemporary Art. The broad and dynamic survey exhibition features over 150 specially selected objects and artworks by more than 90 contemporary artists and will be curated by Nathalie Karg, founder of Cumulus Studios...more

Tanya Bonakdar Gallery Presents “Multiple Pleasures: Functional Objects in Contemporary Art” June 29, 2010 by natasha for Victoria Lyon Interiors (online blog)

What are you doing on Tom of Finland Day?

*8th May

Wherever you are. Raise your glasses. Celebrate Tom’s Birthday. Throw a happening. Hang out with friends. Hit a club. Gather together. Invite all your friends. Hook up.

Make something special. Create your own event on Facebook and post the event or announcement on this page (also link to this event from your event). Add photos. Add stories. Make a card. Show your pride. Take the party ’round the globe.

Tom was born Touko Valio Laaksonen on 8th May 1920, in Kaarina, southwest Finland. The Finnish word for the month of May is “Toukokuu”.

Hyvää syntymäpäivää Tom!

#TomOfFinlandDay

TOM | Berlin | Easter - 1st April

One Holiday | Two Events

Tom of Finland DVD Release Event 3-6p Hosted by Niklas Hogner (plays part of Kake in movie)

My Gay Eye/Mein schwules Auge Tom of Finland Special Edition Book Launch and Discussion 4:30p With the Museum, Tom of Finland Foundation, publisher, editor and contributors

"TOM House: The Work and Life of Tom of Finland" | 19th April | Detroit

At Mike Kelley's Mobile Homestead

The exhibition features work by Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920-1991) and incorporate artists who supported and admired his work over the years, including Richard Hawkins, Robert Mapplethorpe, Raymond Pettibon, Jim Shaw, and John Waters. The presentation will also include photographs, reference materials, and ephemera.

Tom of Finland’s drawings - remarkable not only for their masterful rendering, but also their fantastical representation of the male form - have been long celebrated for their radical role in broadening the popular understanding of Queer experience in art. Placed in context with his peers, the assemblage of these artworks engages a sensational narrative, one that helped define a generation.

Tom spent the last decade of his life between Finland and TOM House in Echo Park, Los Angeles, California. In partnering with Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts, the exhibition will evoke the spirit of the home where Tom had his studio and lived during his final years. In their own way, both Tom and Mike spent their careers challenging the boundaries of art and social engagement, be it through their craft or thematic pursuits. The coupling of the two Foundations seeks to highlight the work of Queer artists across the globe and carry out the mission of protecting, preserving and promoting Queer art.

7p TICKETS

The exhibition will remain on view through 19th May 2018.
 
9p - TICKETS

FILM: Tom of Finland - 22 April MOCAD's Café 78 4p

Award-winning filmmaker Dome Karukoski brings to screen the life and work of the artist, one of the most influential and celebrated figures of twentieth century Gay culture. The film will be followed by a Q&A with exhibition curators Durk Dehner, Sharp, and Graeme Flegenheimer.

This exhibition and programs deal with mature themes. Adults visiting with youth must preview before entering exhibition or program.

FINLANDIZATION 30 | 26th-28th August | Helsinki

"Slash" | 18th June | Riga, Latvia

         

The first Queer themed art project in Latvia

TOM OF FINLAND (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920 - 1991), Nordic God, 1969, Graphite on paper, 11.50" x 8.00", Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection, ©1969 Tom of Finland Foundation

Represented artists: Tom of Finland (1944-1990, FI/USA), Aleesa Cohena(Canada), Zackary Drucker and Rhys Ernst (USA), Lucas Foletto Celinski (BR/DE), Atis J?kobsons (LV), Matthew Lutz Kinoy (USA), Inga Meldere (LV/FI), Vladislavs Nastavševs (LV), Benny Nemerofsky Ramsay(Canada), Arm?ns Ozoli?š (LV), Edgars Ozoli?š (1930-1987, LV), Karol Radziszewski (PL), Wolfgang Tillmans (DE), Vilnis V?jš (LV).

Thinking about the problematic contrast of social acceptance and gay rights or their absence in the present Latvia, this project follows an idea about the universalising view on sexual identity and desire questioning previously dominant model of binary oppositions (male/female, homosexual/heterosexual) and the open-source mentality of the later concepts of queer sexuality, "third sex", etc.

Avoiding any presumptions that certain individuals are truly born gay and only those born with the "deviant" traits share an interest in them, this project stresses that homosexuality is important to persons with a wide range of sexualities, as there is no such a thing as a stable erotic identity, and everyone is to some degree queer in their inherent qualities of mind and character, even if not in their physical behavior.

The iconic figure of Tom of Finland serves as a platform to question the stereotypes of sexuality, gender and idealized body. To name few other participants: exhibition would also include collaborative work of American artist couple Zackary Drucker and Rhys Ernst. Last summer (2014), they hit a high point in their careers by being included in the Whitney Biennial.

Exhibition will bring in a juxtaposition between Tom of Finland's works and Latvian artist Edgars Ozoli, whose photorealistic and overtly sexualized illustrations of teen novels from the 1960s – 1980s encouraged the soviet-time public discourse on sexuality. By illustrating a scandalous (and exceedingly homophobic) book on sex and marriage, the artist succeeded to, for the first time in soviet history, create a set of drawings depicting a vast variety of sexual postures.

With various invited speakers (among them German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans, Latvian and foreign poets, theoreticians, historians) the synchronous talks will question the concepts behind the exhibition ideas through talks, presentations, and more.

kim? together with Berlin based Latvian curator Kaspars Vanags (curator of the Latvia's National pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2015) and with support by Gary Everett  (founder and current artistic director at Homotopia Liverpool and an official representative of Tom of Finland Foundation in Europe) is organizing the first art exhibition in Latvia dedicated to queer issues featuring new and recent art works from international and local contemporary artists as well as museum worthy display of Tom of Finland and Edgars Ozoli?š.

Exhibition shall open during EuroPride and run through 2nd August.

Latvia is the first country in the territory of former Soviet Union to host EuroPride. kim? Contemporary Art Centre's mission is to support the development of emerging artists,  theoreticians, curators, philosophers, translators and thinkers of other  spheres aiming to provide a responsive context to their work and to make  critical practices accessible to a wider audience. 

"Tom of Finland: The Pleasure of Play" | 6th May | Helsinki

In the world of Tom of Finland, everyone is allowed to be themselves – joy and pleasure belong to everyone. Kunsthalle Helsinki’s major exhibition portrays the artist’s work on wider scale than ever seen before.

A masterful stroke and iconic male figures have made Tom of Finland into one of Finland’s most widely-known artists. His bold and humorous imagery has sparked conversations on sexual diversity, equality as well as on the relationship between pornography and art.

The Pleasure of Play is the most comprehensive Tom of Finland exhibition to date, spanning six decades to include more than 180 drawings, 1930s childhood paper dolls, the full set of 1940s gouaches along with triptychs, individual drawings, storyboards and over 300 reference pages.

The exhibition was initially seen, conceived for, and produced by Artists Space, New York in Summer 2015 and has been complemented with works and documentation portraying aspects of the personal history of the artist, such as early landscapes and photos lent from family albums.

Opening Friday 6-8p with Pekka Strang

Runs through 7th August 2016

"Tom of Finland - Sarja kuvia"

Tom of Finland on kansainvälisesti ehkä tunnetuin suomalainen taiteilija. Hänen himokkaat ja lihaksikkaat sankarinsa ovat korostetun miehekkäitä toisin kuin nykyajan sisustusta harrastavat homokarikatyyrit. Kun liioitellun suuret kalut ja tiukat pakarat kiirehtivät yhä vain uusille panopaikoille, mukaan sujahtaa myös aimo annos camp-huumoria.htaa myös aimo annos camp-huumoria.

Tom of Finland drew at a time when Homosexuality was a criminal offense. He was forced to hide his works, and smuggled a large part of them abroad. Only in recent years, Tom has become more widely known in his home country. His homecoming continues: he is the subject of Ilppo Pohjola's 1991 documentary, Daddy and the Muscle Academy, and Helsinki-filmi's upcoming feature film, Tom of Finland.

An exhibition of TOM and fellow artists, DIRTY FRAMES, opens in Helsinki on 28th August where Tom of Finland - Sarja kuvia will be launched, as part of Helsinki Comics Festival.

Tom of Finlandin sarjakuvista on Suomessa koottu aiemmin vain yksi albumi, loppuunmyyty ja kirjastoista jo tykkänään varastettu Kaikki Miket ja neljä Kakea. Uusi kokoelma Sarja kuvia esittelee Tomin tuotantoa 40-luvulta lähtien, ja mukana on runsaasti materiaalia, jota ei aiemmin ole julkaistu. Sarjojen lisäksi teos sisältää luonnoksia ja kattavan esipuheen.

Tom of Finland - Sarja kuvia ISBN: 978-952-01-1114-4 Language: Finnish Format: paperback Number of pages: 128 For Sale: Yes

The mere mention of the name "Tom of Finland" has always brought a smile to people's faces and, with this in mind, it is with great pleasure that we partner with Like Publishing in bringing to Finland this special book of Tom's comics with their original Finnish text. To the best of our knowledge, several of these stories have never before been published.

We dedicate this compendium to those mentioned here and everyone else in Finland who has, and will carry, the banner of pride associated with the name and legacy of this amazing Finn. His artistic and social legacy continues to influence and transform culture worldwide. -Durk Dehner, President and Cofounder, Tom of Finland Foundation

"Sealed with a Secret" | 6th September | Tampere, Finland

Sealed with a Secret Correspondence of Tom of Finland

The exhibition reveals the man behind Tom of Finland, who rose to world renown. It presents a multifaceted portrait of the artist and Touko Laaksonen as a man.

In cooperation with:

Touko Laaksonen's family Tom of Finland Foundation Homotopia Turku 2011 Foundation Arts Promotion Centre Finland Itella Corporation Tom of Finland Seura Like Publishing/Otava archives Seta The Finnish Comics Professionals The Finnish Comics Society

Kenneth Wickman Tuomo Niemelä Kristiina Kukko Timo Berry Solja Järvenpää Kalervo Pulkkinen Cay Sevòn

Susanna Luoto, Curator Graphic Design by Wallu

Besides letters, Sealed with a Secret has on display the artist's early paintings, later drawings, photos from different phases of his life, his apparel and his personal stamp collection.

On 8th September, Itella will release a set of stamps in Finland to honor "the most famous Finnish artist in the world". The three 1st class stamps were coordinated by Solja Järvenpää; Timo Berry; and Susanna Luoto and Durk Dehner of Tom of Finland Foundation.

Sealed with a Secret inaugurates the new Postal Museum at the Museum Centre Vapriikki.

10th September, 6-8p: Curator's Talk, "The Artist of Various Images", with Susanna Luoto.

"DIRTY FRAMES" | 28th August | Helsinki

Presenting comics by Touko Laaksonen in the same spirit for which Tom of Finland is known - without shame or reserve.

The exhibition includes artists associated with Tom of Finland Foundation including Etienne, The Hun, Michael Kirwan, Joe Phillips, Jouni Lepistö, Benoît Prévot, Studio Splatter, Thor of Sweden and Bill Ward.

The opening is also the launch of a very special book from Like Publishing, Tom of Finland: Sarja Kuvia. Tom of Finland Foundation has teamed with the publisher to present Tom of Finland's comics in their original Finnish text, with several of the stories in print for the first time.

The exhibition is organized in cooperation with Tom of Finland Foundation, Tom of Finland Seura, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Finnish Comics Museum and The Finnish Comics Society. The Finnish Comics Society was the first Finnish organization to honor the artist in granting him the Puupäähattu in 1990, the most prestigious Finnish comics award.

The exhibition is one of the highlights of the the 29th Helsinki Comics Festival celebrating Queer artists this year, coincides with the 40th anniversary year of Seta.

Opening: 6:00p

MUU Gallery
Lönnrotinkatu 33
00180 Helsinki
Finland

Runs through: 28th September 2014

FACEBOOK EVENT

"DO NOT DISTURB" | 21st March | Oslo

A group exhibition featuring artists invited by Elmgreen & Dragset:

Cosima von Bonin, Cerith Wyn Evans, Tom of Finland, Simon Fujiwara, Julian Göthe, Henrik Olai Kaarstein, Henrik Olesen, Raymond Pettibon, Seth Pick, Ingegerd Räman, Prem Sahib, Dirk Stewen, Sissel Tolaas, Elmar Vestner and others.

The works included in DO NOT DISTURB focus on the nocturnal, sleep, dreams, passion, sexual fantasies, and the last, long night that awaits us all. The gallery space is transformed into a gothic-style bedroom with dark red walls and an imposing black lacquered bed by Elmgreen & Dragset in the centre of the room. The bed, titled Omnes Una Manet Nox, which translates to One Night Awaits Us All, shows a sinister gold plated vulture perched on top of one of its bedposts. Each work in this group exhibition adds in different ways to the condensed domestic ambience of the space, as if they were all elements in a life sized, perverted doll house where "do not disturb" makes literal sense.

TOM OF FINLAND (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled (Preparatory drawing for Mounted Patrol), 1982
Graphite and colored pencil on paper 11.5 x 16.57 inches (29.2 x 42.1 cm)
©1982 Tom of Finland Foundation

DO NOT DISTURB coincides with Biography, a survey exhibition of Elmgreen & Dragset's work presented at the nearby Astrup Fearnley Museet.

Opening Reception: 6-8p

Through 21st June

GERHARDSEN GERNER

From Style to Substance: Tom of Finland and Antonio Lopez | 7th September | London

Part of Keep Your Timber Limber (Works on Paper), this afternoon of talks and screenings centres on Tom of Finland and Antonio Lopez. Although the two had divergent artistic trajectories, both had roots in advertising and maintained a keen focus on fashion - this event will explore these ideas, as well as discuss the particular poignancy of each practice, from the context in which they were working to their enduring legacy.

TOM OF FINLAND, Untitled (Preliminary drawing) © 1975 Tom of Finland Foundation Courtesy of Tom of Finland Foundation

ANTONIO LOPEZ, Gianni Versace Campaign 1984 ©The Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos Courtesy of The Suzanne Geiss Company

Part I 12pm - 4pm

12pm - Durk Dehner in conversation with Gary Everett and Dominic Johnson Durk Dehner (Tom of Finland Foundation), Gary Everett (Homotopia) and Dominic Johnson (Queen Mary, University of London) give a contemporary perspective of the context in which Tom of Finland was working, from his peers.

2pm - From the Margins to the Mainstream Fiona Anderson (University of York), Adrian Rifkin (Goldsmiths) and Skyler Hijazi (King's College London) explore the appropriation of the imagery of marginalised queer sexual cultures into the more mainstream art world, via Tom of Finland.

3.15pm - Philip Aarons in conversation with Raymond Cha In the context of the historical import of serial publications and printed matter in relation to the dissemination of queer culture, especially as an integral element of Tom of Finland's early practice, Philip Aarons (author of Queer 'Zines) and Raymond Cha discuss the recent second edition of Queer 'Zines. Followed by a book signing.

Part II 4.30pm - 6.15pm

4.30pm - Art vs. Illustration Paul Caranicas (Antonio Lopez Foundation), Colin McDowell (fashion writer, journalist and academic) and Joelle Chariau (art collector) consider the notion of art vs. illustration in relation to the work of Antonio Lopez.

5.30pm - Screening of Antonio's World  

TICKETS & INFORMATION 

"Keep Your Timber Limber" - 19th June - London

Keep Your Timber Limber (Works on Paper)

Homotopia festival - 30th October - Liverpool

TOM @ Modern Art - 5th July - London

SOLD OUT in Chicago - 24th-27th May

Thanks to GRAB Magazine for this two page (54-56) spread.

Check out all the events for Grabbys Award Show and  International Mr. Leather and find SOLD OUT and their line of Tom of Finland shirts.

Tom of Finland Exhibition - 04/14 - Miami Beach

TOM OF FINLAND - Male Masterworks

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
"California" (Detail), 1981, Color pencil on paper, ToFF #81.01
©1981 Tom of Finland Foundation

Opening Reception Saturday, April 14, 2012, 7:00 pm- Midnight

Opening on the weekend of Miami Beach Gay Pride, this exhibit of 20 original drawings and paintings focuses on artwork that greatly influences Gay culture by challenging oppressive stereotypes. By depicting masculine men enjoying their sexuality free of shame, Tom of Finland has had an important effect on global culture.

Five decades of this prolific artist's work is represented and shows the development of his techniques and the breadth of his subject matter, with many pieces shown to the public for the very first time.

Tom of Finland's art continues to play an important role in promoting self-confidence, openness and a positive self-image in the Gay community. Even with progress in Gay rights, stereotyping continues in entertainment and media, proving that a discussion about the diversity of masculine and feminine role models is as relevant now, as ever.

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 - 1991)
Untitled, 1985, Graphite on paper, ToFF #85.12
© 1985 Tom of Finland Foundation

Also, as part of the exhibit, is a new video tribute to Tom of Finland and rare, vintage memorabilia.

April 14, 2012 - July 31, 2012

1205 Washington Avenue Miami Beach

Male Masterworks - Official Pride event!

Please see this Schedule Page under Saturday!  

MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE 2012  

ToFF @ IML - Chicago - 05/25 - 05/28

TOM OF FINLAND, (Finnish, 1920 - 1991), Untitled, 1985, Pen and ink on paper, ToFF #85.24, © 1985-2012 Tom of Finland Foundation

Find Us at Interntional Mister Leather
The Leather Market
Friday, May 25th - Monday, May 28th

Leather Alliance Weekend 2012 - March 2-4 - San Francisco

Contestant Meet & Greet
March 1

Lenny Broberg Roast/Tribute
March 1

Awards Dinner
March 2

Making The Connection Seminars
March 3

Mr SF Leather Contest
March 3

Victory Brunch
March 4

Leather Alliance Beer & Booze
March 4

COMPLETE SCHEDULE - TICKETS - PACKAGES

Tool Shed's Erotic Art Expo and Silent Auction - 02/23 - Palm Springs

On behalf of the Review Committee, we look forward to another successful Expo.  

Tool Shed

"Your History Is Not Our History" - Opens February 18th - Berlin

LARUSSON and PYSZCZEK

The first solo exhibition of Canadian, Berlin-based, artist-collaborators Travis Larusson and Przemek Pyszczek.

LARUSSON and PYSZCZEK

The most influential homoerotic illustrations of the 20th Century were created by Touko Laaksonen, known as Tom of Finland. These iconic works depicted a number of men, often soldiers, police officers, bikers, and laborers with exaggerated anatomy engaged in sexual activity. These libidinal, seemingly incidental, encounters occurred in detached bucolic outcroppings and marginal interiors. The amplified fantasy of masculinity, derived from existing rebellious heterosexual subcultures, constructed the prominent archetype for gay men of the past century.

With Tom of Finland as a conceptual agent, Larusson & Pyszczek present Your History Is Not Our History, exhibiting a series of photographs, paintings, and drawings bearing the same title. The works project, occupy, and remove familiar content, avoiding the often reductive qualities of appropriation and enlisting more expansive qualities of manifestation and inquiry. Contemporary identity comes up against the constructed identity of the past, with each side effected equally. History is not negated, but perhaps mutated.

Larusson & Pyszczek's execution of both the oil paintings and the drawings match the incredible draftsmanship and skill of their source material. Tom of Finland's figures are re-drawn in the silhouettes of the artist duo's re-staging of the acts that take place in the original drawings. The abstraction evokes a gap or partial relation to the past. The ungrounded figures, highly rendered in graphite and formally delicate, have a mysterious romance.

LARUSSON and PYSZCZEK

OPENING RECEPTION Saturday, February 18th, 2012 6-8 pm

February 18 through March 17

DITTRICH & SCHLECHTRIEM

TOM OF FINLAND

Click image to view Tom's Galleries

Tom of Finland created artwork that greatly influenced Gay culture by challenging oppressive stereotypes. Even with progress in Gay rights today, stereotyping continues in entertainment and media, proving that a discussion about the diversity of masculine and feminine role models is as relevant now, as ever. -Volker Morlock, curator, TOM OF FINLAND: Male Masterworks, Miami, 2012.

"The Bastion of Freedom"

In December 2006, I — Durk Dehner — was in attendance at the Gallerie Richard in Paris, France. My purpose was to assist with the arrangements and opening of a one-man exhibition of Tom of Finland's work. One of the visitors, who is a friend to the gallery owners Jean-Luc and Takako Richard, was the contemporary French artist photographer, Rachel Laurent.

Her face beamed with enthusiasm upon her arrival inside the gallery. She took a panoramic view of the works that awaited her. In welcoming Ms. Laurent, I inquired to the reason she contained so much pleasure in being at this exhibition and she told me, "I have arrived at the bastion of freedom. Displayed here are the works of a man that didn't cower or inhibit himself in his expression of what was in his heart. He represents freedom for all of us."

-Durk Dehner

Above is an interview with the artist Tom of Finland and his ever expanding European tour. The next opening is in Liverpool, England (the European Union's Cultural Capitol) as part of the City's biennial festival in 2008. Exhibition dates: September 20 thru November 30, 2008.

Visit the Homotopia festivals website.

Link to a slide show of the artwork in the European show.

A major spread done by British magazine QX celebrating 50 years of Tom of Finland in print. Pages 22 - 36.

Tom is in London Times, too. On November 3, 2008 they gave him a full page as Mark Simpson writes about how Tom of Finland influenced his life and society in general.