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The Finnish Institute in London proudly presents an evening celebrating the art and influence of Tom of Finland.
The event kicks off with a panel discussion on Tom’s influence on fashion, not only in the leather community, but also putting it in a wider frame by looking at sexual liberation and the impact of popular erotic imagery on fashion in general. Speakers to be announced soon.
TOM OF FINLAND (Touko Laaksonen, 1920-1991) is one of the gay worlds biggest icons. His drawings have had an enormous influence on the visual appearance, attitudes and self-understanding of gay people. Tom’s ultimate leather men are known all over the world. They are key icons of Western visual culture.
The second half of the event consists of the screening of the classic documentary DADDY AND THE MUSCLE ACADEMY, the only film ever made with Tom of Finland himself.
The film uses a variety of visual elements, including:
Tom of Finland in his own words – Tom tells his own life story, starting with his childhood in rural Finland, and going on to the influence on him of WWII, his drawings and his experience in the United States. Tom also describes his drawing method and explains the personal and professional motives behind his drawings.
A retrospective of Tom’s drawings – There are hundreds of Tom’s original works, starting with his early childhood drawings and first sketches. The development of Tom’s photorealistic style is illustrated using images from various magazines, books and posters spanning five decades. Tom’s last color originals are also included.
Tom’s men and their stories. – Leather men from different parts of the United States talk about how Tom’s drawings have influenced their own lives. There are also interviews with fellow artists Etienne and Nayland Blake, Bob Mizer of the Athletic Model Guild and Durk Dehner of the Tom of Finland Foundation.
TOM OF FINLAND – DADDY AND THE MUSCLE ACADEMY
1991
Certificate: 18
Running time: 55 minutes
Written & directed by ILPPO POHJOLA
Cinematography KJELL LAGERROOS
Rostrum photography SEPPO RINTASALO
Film editor JORMA HÖRI
Sound & mixing KIKEONO
Original music by ELLIOT SHARP
Digital remastering DIGITAL FILM FINLAND
Financial support AVEK, FINNISH FILM FOUNDATION
In co-operation with YLE/TV2 & TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION
Producers KARI PALJAKKA & ALVARO PRADO