Tom of Finland Foundation was established by Durk Dehner and his friend Touko Laaksonen a.k.a. Tom of Finland. As Tom had established worldwide recognition as the master of homo-erotic art, the Foundation's original purpose was to preserve his vast catalog of work. Several years later the scope was widened to offer a safe haven for all erotic art in response to rampant discrimination against art that portrayed sexual behavior or generated a sexual response. Today the Foundation continues in its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality. Unlike many artists, Tom of Finland's work has always been appreciated by a grass-roots audience as his work was first seen in commercial settings such as magazine illustration, posters and advertising. From the perspective of art historians, Tom's work had an effect on global culture unmatched by that of virtually any other artist. Tom's work had a defining impact on the way Gay men throughout the world were perceived and more importantly, how they perceived themselves. Tom's work has, therefore, had a ripple effect throughout Gay and non-Gay culture during the last 40 years, influencing lifestyle, political tolerance, design, fashion and art. One of the primary goals of the Foundation is to promote Tom's work along with other erotic art so that it receives the academic attention it deserves. From a critical perspective, thanks in part to the sustained commitment of the Foundation, Tom's art is now receiving the acknowledgment it merits. The Finnish Museum of Contemporary Art was the first to make a progressive move in its 1991 acquisition of three Tom of Finland works. In 1997, Tom's work was acquired by two more major museums: The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Actively promoted by the Foundation, Tom's work is increasingly being shown in galleries and museums worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art, New York. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Educational Archive supported by donations from the public, various fundraising events and dues from its loyal membership. The men and women who support our efforts and goals dedicate themselves both financially and as volunteers enabling the Foundation to present an impressive number of activities on a limited budget. Tom of Finland Company exists as a separate entity from the Foundation. The Company was first established by Tom and Durk to oversee the publication of his work and to eliminate the problem of widespread piracy of his images. In order to further the goal of supporting both Tom's art and the art of other erotic artists, the Company initiated and funded the Tom of Finland Foundation and continues to provide free publicity and donations to further its aims. The Foundation has produced three Tom of Finland Retrospectives. The latest features the finest representation of his work yet with a foreword by noted photographer Bruce Weber and an essay by former Whitney Museum curator Richard Marshall. In recent years, the Foundation has rapidly expanded its Permanent Collection through donations of all manner of erotic artworks, by artists of all genders and sexual orientations. In addition, a growing archive of images by other artists to complement the extensive one of Tom's work is in progress. These archives provide an invaluable resource to curators, students, art historians and collectors. To support and encourage emerging erotic artists the Foundation produces a bi-annual contest which provides exhibition of their work, publicity and awards. The promotion and sale of both new and established artists is facilitated through ToFF's website. The work represented ranges from unknown artists to classic images by Tom, Don Bachardy, Robert Mapplethorpe and more. ToFF hosts social events throughout the year to raise funds and to provide a sense of community for supporters of erotic art. An example is the annual "TOM's Bar" which promotes and exhibits erotic art in a very popular party setting and raises funds to support the Foundation's activities at the same time. The rapidly growing "West Hollywood/LA Erotic Art Fair Weekend" brings together artists and patrons from many parts of the globe. It provides them with a social environment in which to network, opportunities to explore the archives and most importantly, the opportunity to buy and sell works at the two-day Erotic Art Fair.
Subliminal Projects was created by artists Shepard Fairey and Blaze Blouin in 1995 as an artist collective, using skateboards as a fine art medium. By expanding beyond skateboards and apparel to include fine art prints, the group began drawing the attention of Aaron Rose, curator of Alleged Gallery in New York. As a result, Subliminal is one of the key groups responsible for cementing the relationship between the skateboard culture with the fine art world, working with then-unknown artists such as Phil Frost, Thomas Campbell, Mike Mills, Dave Aaron, and Mark Gonzales. By reintroducing Subliminal Projects to the current art scene, Shepard and Amanda Fairey continue to promote collaborations in the form of publications, art shows, and events between artists of varying disciplines.
Established in Los Angeles in 2008, Charlie James Gallery represents work by emerging and mid-career artists.
Pilates & Arts is the only Pilates studio in the heart of Echo Park, a hilly neighborhood north east of downtown Los Angeles, California. In addition to Pilates instruction P&A exhibits arts and hosts After Pilates hours intimate gatherings celebrating all art forms and community. Now offering dance and martial arts classes of all kinds in our dance studio at reasonable rates from $10-$15 a class.
Architecture buff? Mid-Century Modern lover? Art patron? Artist? The former headquarters of the Neutra architectural firm in Silverlake is now an art gallery and a museum of Neutriana. Co-curated and hosted by Dion Neutra, Joselle Celine and Roy Oldenkamp. Message us to be put on the event invitation list! Check the page for The Neutra Institute For Survival Through Design for more Neutra News.
{ SPACEDUST - a community-minded shop highlighting local artisans & independent creators from every corner of the known galaxy
Chungking Studio is a studio for daily rental located in the heart of Chinatown, 10 minutes from DTLA. This beautiful, bright, 1500 sq. ft studio features many different aspects such as natural daylight windows, black out curtains, a variety of backdrop curtains and automated canvases. Downloadable map: http://tinyurl.com/mfgam85 In an area with other friendly art galleries on Chung King Road, the studio provides easy access with a parking lot available 30 ft. away, right off the exit of the I-110. Chungking Studio is a ground level space that is ideal for photographers and artists who would like an intimate, yet comfortable space for photoshoots or art displays. Whether you are looking to rent the space as a photo studio, or have a gallery showing, please feel free to contact us for availability or to make an appointment to visit the space.
Mush has a unique variety of Home Decor and gifts at reasonable prices. From antique to contemporary, locally made or imported, each item is hand picked by the owner to create a very interesting shopping experience for you!
KK Los Angeles and Gallery is open Monday - Friday, 10AM to 6PM - or by appointment. Subscribe to our mailing list. Text KK + (your email) to 678.249.3375 Or send an email to [email protected]
Dream Team Directors/Dolce Films is an award-winning production company for all of your creative film & video needs. Dream Team Directors is a prestigious directorial team founded by Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir. The dynamic husband and wife duo have been writing and directing together for over 8 years, developing an astonishing award-winning brand which combines imagination, humor, beauty and a desire to positively impact the world through their stunning creative work. Their company motto, "Let our dream team manifest your dream", symbolizes the expansion and positive attention they win for their celebrity and high-profile brand clients and collaborators such as Adidas, MTV, Coldplay, P. Diddy, Smashbox Cosmetics, Atlantic Records, Chrome Hearts, Oscar De La Renta, Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo, Golden Globe nominee Anthony Mackie, Matt Bennett of the "Big Bang Theory" and Lea Michele of Fox's "Glee."