Chris Malford reports on a rare opportunity to see original Tom of Finland artwork.

Just as the ‘Leather Season’ is traditionally at its quietest, the opening of Keep Your Timber Limber exhibition in London sees this Summer’s leather opportunities being described as “super radical and fierce”, to quote the exhibition’s curator Sarah McCrory.

Within a collection of eight artists brought together where one common aspect is “…a high level of technical skill”, it”s heartening to see Tom of Finland judged by his skill and talent and not, in some quarters, to use an American term, the ‘lewd’ subject matter.

Tom of Finland was able to continually rebuff critics and rejection with his mastery of his shining talent and technique, despite the sexually charged subject matter.


TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 – 1991), Untitled (Detail, from “Circus Life” series), 1961, Graphite on paper, Tom of Finland Foundation Permanent Collection #61.11, © 1963 Tom of Finland Foundation, used with permission, all rights reserved.

“Tom of Finland is the acknowledged master of homoerotic art whose images of masculine men helped to smash stereotypes and create new diversity. Touko Laaksonen (1920-1991) by his real name, Tom of Finland has had a substantial effect on gay culture of the late 20th century. He’s one of the most renowned Finnish artists internationally.” An accolade from none other than the Embassy of Finland, London, proudly supporting the event.

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 – 1991), Untitled, 1962,
Graphite on paper, 11.63” x 8.25”, ToFF #62.08,
© 1962 Tom of Finland Foundation, used with permission, all rights reserved.

In Tom’s case a positive, affirming and happy stream of scenes of men enjoying other men, without any obvious guilt, shame or mental hangover: it’s all smiles, grins and glinting eyes and no scowls, frowns or bowed heads after the ‘event’. And all this in times where gay men faced state sponsorship restrictions, legal penalties, widespread social rejection and hostility: in one word persecution..

Sadly, and all too common, an artist’s work and worth is usually valued more after their passing and not during their lifetime. So, Tom now makes it into the hallowed spaces of one of the world’s leading contemporary art institutions and valued for his technical skills and recognised for the subject matter too by bravely, as the ICA says, “Choosing to step outside the boundaries of social acceptability.”

Don’t be hesitant about Tom being included within a collection of eight other artists, according to the ICA visitors should be aware that “…this exhibition contains material visitors may find challenging. Some of the works in the Upper Galleries contain sexually explicit imagery.” Yep, that’ll be Tom!


TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 – 1991), Untitled,
1961, Graphite on paper, 12.34” x 8.63”, ToFF #61.05, © 1961 Tom of Finland Foundation, used with permission, all rights reserved.

All too often we hear of people talking about ‘Tom’. Be sure, he was the first artist that found a ready home of men where through simple pencil on paper he inspired, and still inspires, generations of men with a positive, empowering and happy version of what a life can be, not what society so successfully ensured was a misery for so long.

Keep Your Timer Limber is must see during the Summer. If you’re in London, make the detour to your plans, or how about donning a bit of leather during London Fetish Week and make a point of paying a ‘Homage to Tom’?

Info from the ICA website: Keep Your Timber Limber (Works on Paper), curated by Sarah McCrory, explores how artists since the 1940s to the present day have used drawing to address ideas critical and current to their time, ranging from the politics of gender and sexuality to feminist issues, war, censorship and race. Stretching from fashion to erotica, the works can all be viewed as being in some way transgressive, employing traditional and commercial drawing techniques to challenge specific social, political or stylistic conventions.
The exhibition brings together the work of eight artists: Judith Bernstein, Tom of Finland, George Grosz, Margaret Harrison, Mike Kuchar, Cary Kwok, Antonio Lopez and Marlene McCarty.
Where::Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
[Lower and upper galleries]

The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH

Tickets and Information: +44 (0)20 7930 3647

When: June 19th to September 8th

Hours: 11h00 – 18h00, except Thursday, 11h00 – 21h00

Transports: Plan your journey using Transport for London’s (TfL) Journey Planner or call TfL on +44 (0)20 7222 1234.

Nearest tube stations: Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo & Piccadilly lines), Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, Jubilee lines) or St. James’ Park (District line).

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!! STOP PRESS !!
Just as we went to press, LeatherWest learned via the Tom of Finland Foundation that a second Tom of Finland inspired exhibition is due to take place during the Summer at Modern Art - Preliminary Drawings “See the studies Tom used to create his finished works.” July 5th - August 10th, Monday to Friday 11h00-18h00 or by appointment. 6 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 5DX. Tel; +44 (0)20 7299 7950. More news to come, so watch this space.
Related article here.

Links:

Read more at:

  • Tom of Finland Foundation’s blog article.
  • Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) webpage.
  • Embassy of Finland, London - “Keep Your Timber Limber” features drawings by Tom of Finland
  • The Independent - ICA’s new exhibition ‘Keep Your Timber Limber’ reminds us how artists have been at forefront of social and political change.
  • Charlie Porter - Tom of Finland. Cary Kwok. Antonio Lopez. All in show of fierce radicalness opening this week at the ICA. Curator Sarah McCrory tells all.
  • Modern Art - Preliminary Drawings “See the studies Tom used to create his finished works.” via the Tom of Finland Foundation.
  • You can support the work of the Tom of Finland Foundation (ToFF) by clicking on the image below.