Speaker Series welcomes photographer Charles Hovland on April 19

SAN FRANCISCO – Distinguished photographer Charles Hovland, whose work takes a deep dive into male beauty and the male identity, will speak at the Bob Mizer Foundation as part of its bimonthly Speaker Series. Hovland wil speak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the main gallery on Friday, April 19, 2024. 

Hovland’s lecture will include a slideshow of his work, some of them taken from his book, “Hunk, Twinks, & Thugs.” The book features a selection of images that are captivating and complex, and it dares its audience to challenge any pre-conceived notions of masculinity and beauty. 

“Each image in ‘Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs’ is a narrative unto itself, telling stories of desire, strength, vulnerability, and defiance,” according to a description of Hovland’s presentation. “By presenting a spectrum of male archetypes, Hovland underscores the diversity and complexity within the gay community, encouraging a broader discourse on acceptance and understanding. … Hovland's work is not just about physical beauty; it's a deeper exploration of identity, sexuality, and the societal roles attributed to men.”

In addition to a detailed analysis of his work, Hovland also will share his inspirations for “Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs,” provide anecdotes about his own artistic processes and spark a dialogue with audience members on the varied forms of male beauty and male identity, LGBTQ+ representation, the evolving conceptions of masculinity, and the role of art in societal change, among other related topics. 

For more information on the works of Charles Hovland, visit www.charleshovland.com or on Instagram @charles_hovland. For more information on the Foundation’s Speaker Series and for a calendar of events, visit www.bobmizer.org. 

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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