Events & Exhibitions

Events & Exhibitions




The Outsider's Gaze: Bruce Hackney Delves into Weinberger's World

Speaker Series

The Outsider's Gaze: Bruce Hackney Delves into Weinberger's World

Co-Curator Bruce Hackney unveils the depth of youth rebellion in Weinberger's photography

Friday, June 21, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

At "The Outsider's Gaze," curator Bruce Hackney will present an engaging exploration of Karlheinz Weinberger's groundbreaking photography, focusing on the rebellious youth subcultures of 1950s and 1960s Zurich. This event will feature a curated slideshow of Weinberger's most compelling images, highlighting the unique ways in which these young individuals expressed their defiance against mainstream society through fashion, attitude, and lifestyle. Hackney will delve into the cultural and historical context of Weinberger's work, discussing its significance in documenting subcultural movements and its lasting impact on contemporary visual arts. Attendees will gain insights into the photographer's ability to capture the essence of outsider identities, providing a voice to those on the margins. The discussion will also touch on themes of identity, resistance, and the power of photography as a tool for social commentary. "The Outsider's Gaze" promises to be an illuminating session for enthusiasts of photography, culture, and history alike.

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AMG Whizz-Bang: Bob Mizer's Pioneering Role in Hardcore Cinema

Film Screening

AMG Whizz-Bang: Bob Mizer's Pioneering Role in Hardcore Cinema

a compilation of AMG hardcore films

Friday, May 17, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

"AMG Whizz-Bang: Bob Mizer's Pioneering Role in Hardcore Cinema" is a bold showcase set for May 2024, featuring the trailblazing work of filmmaker Bob Mizer after the late 1960s censorship relaxation. Highlighting selections from Mizer's extensive catalog of over 3,000 films, this event celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to hardcore cinema. The screenings illuminate Mizer's innovative exploration of sexuality and artistic expression, reflecting his significant influence on adult film and artistic freedom. A discussion session will follow, offering insights into Mizer's legacy, the evolution of erotic art, and the impact of censorship reforms on creative expression. This event honors Mizer's daring vision and his fight for sexual freedom through art.

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Karlheinz Weinburger: Outsiders Within

Exhibition

Karlheinz Weinburger: Outsiders Within

Unveiling the defiance in Zurich's underground youth culture

May 2 - August 31, 2024

Opening Reception:
May 2, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

In the heart of early 1960’s  Zurich, Karlheinz Weinberger captured the essence of rebellion through his lens, focusing on the 'Halbstarken'—teenagers defying norms with their distinctive, embellished attire and an unabashed admiration for icons like Elvis Presley. Beyond a mere observer, Weinberger, a quietly revolutionary figure himself, delved into subcultures from rugged bikers to intimate nude male portraits, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the bold defiance of societal constraints. His work, a testament to the vibrancy of youth and the outsider spirit, offers a unique window into the unspoken narratives of those daring to live authentically on the fringes.

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Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs: An Intimate Conversation with Chuck

Speaker Series

Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs: An Intimate Conversation with Chuck

with photographer Charles Hovland

Friday, April 19, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Charles Hovland is a photographer whose work has delved into various aspects of male beauty and identity. His book, "Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs," showcases an expansive range of male forms and personas within the gay community. Through his lens, Hovland captures the essence of masculinity in its diverse expressions, challenging traditional norms and stereotypes. The book’s title itself hints at the variety of male archetypes presented, from muscular hunks and youthful twinks to the more rugged persona of thugs. Hovland's work is not just about physical beauty; it's a deeper exploration of identity, sexuality, and the societal roles attributed to men. By presenting these varied images, Hovland invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of masculinity and the complexity within the gay community. His photography serves as both an artistic expression and a sociocultural commentary, making "Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs" a significant contribution to contemporary photography and LGBTQ+ discourse.

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The Golden Age of the American Male

Film Screening

The Golden Age of the American Male

a compilation of AMG films

Friday, March 15, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

This March, immerse yourself in the groundbreaking film series "The Golden Age of the American Male: A Cinematic Exploration," featuring the iconic work of photographer Bob Mizer. Renowned for his pioneering portrayal of masculinity, Mizer's films offer a unique lens into the evolution of the male identity across different decades. Dive into a world where the male form is celebrated in its myriad expressions, challenging traditional stereotypes and inviting a deeper dialogue on gender and representation. Don't miss this compelling journey through the legacy of Bob Mizer, reflecting on the past while pondering the future of masculinity in cinema and culture.

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First Thursdays Art Walk and Exhibition Opening

ArtWalk

First Thursdays Art Walk and Exhibition Opening

Opening Reception for "So It Begins… | The Complete Mizer Chronicles: From Portraiture to Chromatism in Mizer's Lens"

Open House:
Thursday, March 7, 2024

Main Gallery

The Upper Tenderloin in San Francisco revitalizes its cultural scene with the First Thursdays Art Walk, introducing the latest exhibition from the Bob Mizer Foundation, "So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992." This captivating showcase dives into thirty years of Mizer's pioneering work, highlighting his evolution from monochrome to vibrant color photography. Mizer, a visionary in capturing the male form, pushed societal boundaries through his art. The exhibition, set against the backdrop of the eclectic Tenderloin district, offers a unique lens into Mizer's exploration of color, composition, and the male identity, inviting viewers to rediscover his influential legacy in contemporary art and LGBTQ+ culture.

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So It Begins… | The Complete Mizer Chronicles: From Portraiture to Chromatism in Mizer's Lens

Exhibition

So It Begins… | The Complete Mizer Chronicles: From Portraiture to Chromatism in Mizer's Lens


March 7 - April 27, 2024

Opening Reception:
March 7, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation proudly concludes its "So It Begins…" series with a comprehensive retrospective that charts the influential career of Bob Mizer (1922-1992), a visionary whose innovative approach transformed the realm of photographic portraiture. Spanning three distinct segments, this exhibition journey traces Mizer's artistic evolution, beginning with his initial forays into capturing American subcultures and leading up to the vibrant color advancements characterizing his later pieces.

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Vintage Volumes and Veiled Pages:

Speaker Series

Vintage Volumes and Veiled Pages: "The Magazine" Reflects on 50 years of Peddling Mainstream and Smut

with "The Magazine" Founder Trent Dunphy

Friday, February 23, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Join Trent Dunphy and recollect the 50 years of business of The Magazine.

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Of Hepburn and Hunks: The Life and Times of George Platt Lynes

Speaker Series

Of Hepburn and Hunks: The Life and Times of George Platt Lynes

with Physique Pictorial Senior Editor

Friday, November 17, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

As a photographer, George Platt Lynes didn't just capture Hollywood and the fashion world in his work. His work photographing nude men was a constant source of both pride and anxiety for the mid-century artist. Learn more about Lynes, as well as how his male nudes ended up in the archives of The Kinsey Institute, in the upcoming presentation "Of Hepburn and Hunks: The Life and Times of George Platt Lynes."

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So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992

Exhibition

So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992


November 2 - February 24, 2024

Opening Reception:
November 2, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

Departing from the dominant black-and-white format that had defined his earlier works and his influential publication Physique Pictorial, Mizer embarked on an experimental journey in the last part of his life.

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Physique Pictorial: The Manufacture,  Craft and Art of Mizer's Magazine

Exhibition

Physique Pictorial: The Manufacture,  Craft and Art of Mizer's Magazine

curated by Max Zinkievich

October 20 - April 27, 2024

Opening Reception:
October 20, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Mainardi Memorial Gallery

This exhibition is designed to illuminate the history of Physique Pictorial, the hand-crafted manufacture of its physical issues, as well as the behind-the-scenes goings on of the magazine's operation.

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The Art of the Male Nude in The Golden Age of Physique Photography 1940-1970

Speaker Series

The Art of the Male Nude in The Golden Age of Physique Photography 1940-1970

with historian John Fagundes

Friday, September 15, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation hosts the first in our Speaker Series with a presentation by historian John Fagundes on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.

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So It Begins...: | Bob Mizer: Socially Redeeming Value 1955-1975

Exhibition

So It Begins...: | Bob Mizer: Socially Redeeming Value 1955-1975


August 3 - September 30, 2023

Opening Reception:
August 3, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

A continuing exhibit in The Bob Mizer Foundation Gallery introduces visitors to a selection of the photographer’s controversial postwar images.

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Farewell, David Hurles:A Gathering of Friends Remember the Old Reliable Photographer

Speaker Series

Farewell, David Hurles:A Gathering of Friends Remember the Old Reliable Photographer

with hosts Dian Hanson and Trent Dunphy

Saturday, June 3, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation will host a memorial to the late groundbreaking pornographer David Hurles on Saturday, June 3, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.

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So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Early Work 1945-1955

Exhibition

So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Early Work 1945-1955


June 1 - July 29, 2023

Opening Reception:
June 1, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

The first exhibit to open in The Bob Mizer Foundation’s new downtown headquarters will introduce visitors to a selection of the photographer’s earliest postwar images.

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Raw Mizer

Exhibition

Raw Mizer

A Collab with the Bob Mizer Foundation and the Raw Meat Collective

May 5 - May 26, 2023

Opening Reception:
May 5, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

A lot of artists pull from many different inspirational backgrounds, however, Mizer’s bold and pristine eye is as fresh as tomorrow. Mizer’s photographs are timeless, iconic, and full of life to this day. He inspires visual artistic minds from all over this world and will continue to do so for many years to come. 

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STRONGMAN: The Predilections of Robert Mainardi

Exhibition

STRONGMAN: The Predilections of Robert Mainardi

constructions and reflections on his published works

May 4 - October 10, 2023

Opening Reception:
May 4, 2022
6 - 8 PM PST

Mainardi Memorial Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation hosts the first in our Speaker Series with a presentation by historian John Fagundes on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.

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