Queer Artists Criticize Tom Of Finland Foundation's Leadership

(MENAFN- USA Art News) A group of 41 former artist residents has expressed deep concern regarding the future direction of the Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles. The artists issued an open letter to the foundation's board on Monday, September 28, criticizing what they describe as a“lack of transparency and abrupt interruption of several programs by the current administration.”

Specifically, the letter highlights the alleged discontinuation of the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program, which they claim occurred“without prior communication or warning.” The artists also state that“nearly the entire staff” of the foundation's headquarters, known as“TOM House” in Echo Park, was laid off in June.

The nonprofit foundation was established in 1984 to preserve the legacy of artist Tom of Finland (born Touko Laaksonen, 1920–1991 ), whose erotic drawings of hypermasculine figures, such as sailors, lumberjacks, and bikers, are iconic in queer culture. Over four decades, the foundation expanded its mission to support contemporary artists through exhibitions and acquisitions. In 2011, it launched the artist residency program at its Echo Park headquarters. The open letter urges the board to“guarantee the continuation of the Foundation's mission, not only by preserving the legacy of Tom of Finland and his work, but also by maintaining an active commitment to new generations of queer and erotic artists through a residency program, mentorship, support, exhibitions, research, and access to the Foundation's unique archive.”

Source: Hyperallergic

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