TOM OF FINLAND “Bold Journey”

28th April 2023, 12:00 am

Date/Time
Date(s) - 28th Apr 2023 - 29th Oct 2023
All Day

Location
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

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LOCATION

 

 

 

 

Viewing hours
Tuesday–Friday 10a-8:30p
Saturday 10a–6p
Sunday 10a–5p
Closed Monday

JACK SHEAR Tom at TOM House, Los Angeles, 1984

 

Showcasing the works and life story of Tom of Finland, one of the world’s best-known Finnish artists.

Masculine beauty

The characters in Tom of Finland’s drawings – lumberjacks, bikers, soldiers and policemen – exude vitality, joy and pride. Their leather gear and uniforms are portrayed with the same exquisite attention to detail as their muscular physiques. In his drawings, men connect with one another through erotic-laden gazes, gestures and postures. The artist drew to arouse desire, initially for his own private pleasure, and later for an expanding world of fans.

International pioneer

Tom of Finland developed exquisite drawing skills. His influence is seen in the work of many notable artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Mike Kelley and Jean-Paul Gaultier. They were among the first to recognize the artistic value of Tom’s drawings, which have later toured the world in exhibitions.

Bold Journey is structured around his biography and the characters and settings that he created. Also shown are drawings from the artist’s childhood and a wealth of archival material. As part of the exhibition, visitors are welcome to take a virtual tour of TOM House in Los Angeles, where Tom wintered during the last decade of his life.

 

 

 

INSTALL PHOTOS BY PETRI VIRTANEN

 

TOF cover 9.3.2023 1000

PUBLICATION

 


 

SEE THE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR YOU IN HELSINKI

 


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A warm hand

  OPENING EVENTS AT KIASMA PHOTOS BY PIRJE MYKKÄNEN HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY FINNISH NATIONAL GALLERY

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Published: 28th April 2023

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