Bob Mizer Foundation launches bi-monthly Speaker Series

SAN FRANCISCO – Continuing to fill its programming calendar after moving into its new headquarters, this month The Bob Mizer Foundation begins its Speaker Series, a variety of lectures on subjects related to Bob Mizer, his contemporaries, and male physique photography. 

The inaugural event takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 15, at the Foundation’s headquarters in downtown San Francisco, 920 Larkin Street. The lecture, “The Art of the Male Nude in the Golden Age of Physique Photography (1940-1970),” will be delivered by local historian John Fagundes. 

The Speaker Series will take place every other month, with screenings of classic Athletic Model Guild films taking place on alternating months as well. 

According to a description of Fagundes’ upcoming lecture, “Physique Photography flourished in post-WWII America, a repressive time for gay men. These photographs focused on the male body -- sensual, and increasingly erotic. Photographers challenged mainstream society and its morality with images of male desire -- made by gay men for gay men. The photographs evolved to reflect gay men's desire, the slow erosion of censorship as well as the rise of gay rights. No longer underground porn, but the history of male desire!”

The 50-minute lecture will conclude with a 20-minute question-and-answer session. 

Den Bell, founder and CEO of The Bob Mizer Foundation, says the first event in this series occurs at a time of exciting growth for the organization. “We’re excited to be able to add this series to our growing roster of programming, which will only keep expanding,” Bell says. “We hope the Speaker Series will offer a deep dive into topics of interest to members and nonmembers alike, while helping educate others on The Bob Mizer Foundation and all that we have to offer.”

For a full schedule of the Foundation’s events so far, visit https://www.bobmizer.org/exhibitions.

About The Bob Mizer Foundation

The Bob Mizer Foundation Inc. was established in 2010 by photographer Dennis Bell for charitable and educational purposes, and as an organization committed to promoting and preserving the works of progressive and controversial photographers. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation is supported by grants, donations, and the contributions made by its devoted members, interns, and volunteers. 

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