In the Galleries: Bob Mizer & Tom of Finland

"Bob Mizer & Tom of Finland" is the first American museum exhibition devoted to the work of Bob Mizer (1922-1992) and Touko Laaksonen, a.k.a. Tom of Finland (1920-1991), two of the most recognizable figures of 20th century erotic art and forefathers of an emergent postwar gay culture. Organized by Museum of Contemporary Art curator Bennett Simpson and guest cocurator Richard Hawkins, in collaboration with the artists' respective foundations, the exhibition will feature a selection of Laaksonen's masterful drawings and collages, alongside Mizer's photographs, photo-collages, and films, as well as his groundbreaking magazine Physique Pictorial -- where drawings by Tom were first published in 1957.

"Bob Mizer & Tom of Finland"
November 2, 2013 - January 26, 2014
MOCA/Pacific Design Center

Thanks also to the Bob Mizer Foundation and the Tom of Finland Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Untitled [Dennis Lavia in Shower with Washcloth], c. 1964. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

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Tom of Finland, Untitled (From Jungle Seafood story), 1972 Pen & ink, gouache on paper 8.63" x 6.94"
Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection (c) 1972 Tom of Finland Foundation

Bob Mizer, Athletic Model Guild Catalog Board, Ernie Rabb. c.1957. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Tom of Finland, Untitled, 1962 Graphite on paper 12.00" x 9.50"
Collection of Volker Morlock, (c) 1962 Tom of Finland Foundation

Bob Mizer, Untitled [Larry Lamb, Profile with Chains], c. 1959. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Athletic Model Guild Catalog Board, Ernie Rabb. c.1957. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Physique Pictorial, 1957. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Untitled [Dennis Schreffer with Portrait], c. 1957. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Tom of Finland, Untitled (From Beach Boy 1 story), 1971 Pen & ink, gouache on paper 8.25" x 5.75"
COQ International Collection, Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection (c) 1971 Tom of Finland Foundation

Bob Mizer, Untitled [Ray Hornsby, Motorcycle], c. 1957. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer. Athletic Model Guild Catalog Board, David Elliott. c.1965. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Untitled [Barry Maurer, Hand on Gun], c. 1961. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer, Physique Pictorial, 1962. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.

Bob Mizer. Athletic Model Guild Catalog Board, David Elliott. c.1965. Published with permission of Bob Mizer Foundation.