FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This exhibition presents 25 evocative black-and-white portraits by George Dureau, capturing the resilience and vulnerability of his subjects—from athletes to marginalized individuals—against the vibrant cultural backdrop of New Orleans, where beauty and humanity converge in transformative ways.
Bob Mizer Foundation Presents:
Beyond Symmetry: George Dureau's Celebrations of the Human Form
San Francisco, CA - The Bob Mizer Foundation proudly presents Beyond Symmetry: George Dureau's Celebrations of the Human Form, an exhibition showcasing 25 evocative black-and-white portraits by the acclaimed New Orleans artist George Dureau. This compelling collection captures the resilience, vulnerability, and individuality of Dureau’s subjects, spanning athletes, performers, and marginalized individuals.
Dureau’s photography transcends traditional portraiture, blending classical composition with the rich cultural spirit of New Orleans. His intimate works explore themes of identity and dignity, transforming vulnerabilities into powerful symbols of humanity’s resilience. The photographs invite viewers to reimagine beauty as inclusive, diverse, and multifaceted.
"George Dureau’s work is a testament to his unique ability to celebrate the human form while challenging societal norms," says Den Bell, founder of the Bob Mizer Foundation. "His portraits honor the individuality of his subjects while weaving in the vibrancy of New Orleans, making his work timeless and deeply impactful."
“Dureau photographed people with kindness and sympathy”, added Mizer Foundation’s Head of Programming, De Kwok, “It has been said that his subject matter became a member of his extended family and you can clearly see that in the way his camera lovingly captured them.”
The exhibition will be on view from March 6 to June 28, 2025, at the Bob Mizer Foundation’s Main Gallery. An opening reception will be held on March 6 from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm, providing an opportunity to explore the works and celebrate Dureau’s extraordinary legacy.
About George Dureau: A celebrated figure in the art world, George Dureau (1930-2014) was renowned for his black-and-white photography and classical paintings. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, Dureau’s art challenges conventions and highlights the resilience of the human spirit. His work has been exhibited internationally and continues to inspire audiences with its profound emotional depth and technical mastery.
Exhibition Details:
For more information, press inquiries, or to schedule a visit, please contact:
Corbin Crable
Director of Communications
Bob Mizer Foundation
staff@bobmizer.org
About the Bob Mizer Foundation and Research Center:
The Bob Mizer Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bob Mizer, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. The Foundation houses Mizer’s extensive archive of photographs, films, and publications, and promotes the study of physique photography and its impact on modern visual culture. Through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs, the Foundation continues to foster an appreciation for Mizer’s work and its enduring influence on contemporary art.
Bob Mizer (1922-92) was a mid-century male physique photographer. In 1945, Mizer founded the Athletic Model Guild; in 1951, he began publishing his pioneering zine Physique Pictorial, which would enjoy a press run of nearly 40 years.
During an era in which artists like Mizer could be (and were) censored and silenced by the ongoing threat of heavy fines, exposure to a puritanical public, and even jail time. His work remains a groundbreaking and critical component of LGBTQ+ culture and history, resonating with a global audience even today.
The Bob Mizer Foundation is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Mizer's surviving works, which include photographs, slides, negatives, and films. Based in San Francisco, this nonprofit organization hosts regular art exhibits, in-person/online film screenings, and lectures by experts in male physique culture. Learn more and donate at www.bobmizer.org.
For more information, press inquiries, or to schedule a visit, please contact:
Corbin Crable
Chief Communications Officer
corbin@bobmizer.org