Orfeo Imago 2023 recipient Durk Dehner

The Orfeo Imago 2023 award was handed out in late April to Durk Dehner, Tom of Finland Foundation President and Cofounder. Dehner was present at the opening of the TOM OF FINLAND Bold Journey exhibition at the prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki, the Finnish capital.

The award honors Dehner for his years-long work in preserving and distributing to many nations the pioneering and powerful artwork of Tom of Finland (1920-1991), the internationally famous artist.

The Orfeo Imago is given by Tupilak (Nordic rainbow culture workers) and the ILGCN (international rainbow culture network) and has previously been awarded to LGBT artists, curators and museums in a number of countries in the Nordic region and beyond.

Reading the motivation behind the award to the large audience gathered at the opening of the museum exhibition was Bill Schiller of Tupilak/ILGCN.

“For keeping alive and spreading to many nations the works of the Finnish artist, Tom of Finland, creating pioneering ways Gays regard each other, boldly depicting professions once only dreamed of by many Gays such as policeman, soldier, lumberjack, pilot, boxer, motorcyclist, and more.

“For curating art work that teaches Gays to look each other in the eye, to smile proudly of their sexual contacts, rejecting the secrecy, anonymity and shame of the past.

“For confirming that artwork is among the most powerful weapons against homophobia, intolerance and invisibility.” – Bill Schiller.

The award is named after the ancient Greek musician, Orpheus, who could calm even the demons of the underworld with his music, and who was proud of his male lovers, including Calais – fellow traveler on that famous ship, the Argo.

Published: 31st August 2023

Categorised in: Events, News