FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bob Mizer Foundation Presents:
PROGENY: NEW VISIONS OF THE CLASSICAL FORM
San Francisco, CA - The Bob Mizer Foundation is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, "PROGENY: NEW VISIONS OF THE CLASSICAL FORM," a groundbreaking showcase featuring the work of five contemporary photographers inspired by the legendary physique photographer, Bob Mizer. The exhibition will run from November 7, 2024, to February 27, 2025, at the Bob Mizer Foundation in San Francisco.
"PROGENY" brings together the diverse talents of Lucas Murnaghan, Steven Menendez, Walter Jenkel, Phil Dlab, and Gabriel Goldberg, each offering a unique interpretation of Mizer's enduring influence on contemporary photography. This exhibition not only pays homage to Mizer's revolutionary work but also demonstrates how his artistic vision continues to resonate with and inspire new generations of artists.
Visitors to the exhibition will experience a rich tapestry of photographic styles and techniques, all rooted in Mizer's groundbreaking approach to capturing the human form:
"This exhibition is a testament to Bob Mizer's lasting impact on the world of photography," said Dennis Bell, co-curator of the exhibition. "It's fascinating to see how his work continues to influence and inspire contemporary artists, even those who never had the opportunity to meet him personally."
"PROGENY: NEW VISIONS OF THE CLASSICAL FORM" offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of physique photography and the human form in art. It invites viewers to consider the threads that connect contemporary work to its historical roots, fostering a dialogue between past and present.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of artist talks, workshops, and guided tours, providing deeper insight into the artists' processes and their connection to Mizer's work.
Exhibition Details:
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