Visual arts Tom of Finland exhibition opens in Japan after two years of attempt – erotic images met with opposition, as homosexuality is taboo in the country

17th September 2020, 9:20 pm

Tom of Finland by Philip Stuart

Internationally well-known Finnish artist Tom of Finland (born Touko Laaksonen, 1920-1991) will finally be shown in Japan, says The Guardian. There have been major bends in the journey of the exhibition, which at times seemed insurmountable, says the organizer and curator of the exhibition, Shai Ohayon.

Tom of Finland Foundation page explains that homosexuality has been well accepted and common in Japanese culture in the past. Relationships between men were accepted in both monastic communities and Kabuki theater, and male prostitutes were a normal phenomenon. The era of tolerance lasted for hundreds of years, but as Japan began to Westernize in the 20th century, homosexuality became taboo in society.

An exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Tom of Finland, Reality and Fantasy: The World of Tom of Finland is on display at Parcon Gallery X in Tokyo. Embassy of Finland in Tokyo says the exhibition was scheduled to open as early as April, but the corona pandemic delayed the opening. Tom of Finland Foundation says that this is the first time that Tom of Finland’s works have been exhibited in Japan.

In connection with the exhibition, expert lectures and film screenings are also organized.

 

COMPLETE ARTICLE BY BHAVI MANDALIA

 

 

 

 


The first exhibition in Japan of the works of the iconic Finnish artist Tom of Finland

  The exhibition puts emphasis on Tom of Finland’s role in promoting sensual and erotic depictions of the male body as a catalyst for social change and the acceptance of gay people, while facing a legal and social reality they were fighting to change. Delving into a world of fantasy, with sexual freedom, Tom depicted… View Article

Erotic art in Japan

Japan’s attitude towards homosexuality and artistic depictions of such are a bit complex and culturally layered, but it wasn’t always this way. Unlike the west, which gradually experienced over the last 50 years more and more tolerance towards homosexuality and acceptance of LGBTQ people, Japan seemingly almost had gone in the opposite direction—from a commonplace… View Article

Published: 17th September 2020

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