How artist Tom of Finland shaped LGBTQ+ culture

Tom of Finland Foundation President & Cofounder Durk Dehner shares thoughts on protecting Queer art, why lesbians love Tom of Finland, and upcoming events in Palm Springs.

TOM OF FINLAND Untitled, 1980, Graphite on paper

As Palm Springs Leather Pride approaches, we spoke to Durk Dehner, who cofounded Tom of Finland Foundation with artist Tom of Finland. Known for his bold, hyper-masculine depictions of men, Tom’s work is immediately recognizable and emblematic of Palm Springs Queer culture.

The Foundation’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote Queer art shines through in its extensive programming, and during Leather Pride (24th-27th October), there are plenty of ways to engage with the brand and learn about Tom of Finland’s legacy.

Interested in browsing art? Visit ArtWorks in Palm Springs 23rd October-3rd November to see and purchase pieces from the Foundation’s Artist-in-Residence Program. Or head to the Palm Springs Cultural Center 25th October-3rd November to view a display of archival from Tom of Finland artwork.

On 23rd October, Dehner will speak at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs about Tom’s legacy and the Foundation. On 24th October, he’ll join nude photographer Tom Bianchi in conversation at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, followed by cocktail reception.

The celebration continues at the Tool Shed, where the Foundation will have a booth at the Dark Alley Marketplace on 25th October, followed by a cigar social benefiting the Foundation on 26th October.

How was the Foundation started?

“It started with a desire on the part of the artist Tom of Finland. He and I became business partners in 1980, and I was really just wanting to assist him in anything that was on his bucket list. One of the things that was on his list was to have an archive. In 1984, we got that running, and very soon after we started it, other artists and friends of ours who were collectors wanted to find homes for some of their work. They came to us and asked us if we would be willing to be recipients of their works.

“Tom and I had a conversation, lasted about 45 minutes, and we made the decision to open up. Now, we collect and document and create programs for those artists. It was really good because he was right there at the helm of it for six years. We were able to document more of his life, and at the conclusion of [his life], we were able to write a biography and create a documentary called Daddy and the Muscle Academy.”  – Durk Dehner

SEE THE COMPLETE ARTICLE BY ALEESHA LANGE

Published: 21st October 2024

Categorised in: Events, News