Tom of Finland

Artist

Touko Laaksonen (1920-1991), more popularly known as Tom of Finland, was a gay Finnish designer and painter, world-famous for his fantastical, fetishistic representations of men. His illustrations focused on homoerotic archetypes including lumberjacks, police and men dressed in leather. These caused him to be a controversial forerunner of gay rights, influencing and changing the representation of gay men with a simple message 'Gay = Good'. His work has been and continues to be exhibited widely across Europe and America. In 1984, Laaksonen co-founded the Tom of Finland Foundation with his long-time collaborator and advocate Durk Dehner. The foundation continues to maintain the Tom of Finland archive as well as being a home for erotic art and supporting emerging queer creatives.

Touko Laaksonen (1920-1991), more popularly known as Tom of Finland, was a gay Finnish designer and painter, world-famous for his fantastical, fetishistic representations of men. His illustrations focused on homoerotic archetypes including lumberjacks, police and men dressed in leather. These caused him to be a controversial forerunner of gay rights, influencing and changing the representation of gay men with a simple message 'Gay = Good'. His work has been and continues to be exhibited widely across Europe and America. In 1984, Laaksonen co-founded the Tom of Finland Foundation with his long-time collaborator and advocate Durk Dehner. The foundation continues to maintain the Tom of Finland archive as well as being a home for erotic art and supporting emerging queer creatives.

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Tom of Finland’s Art And Culture Fest Is Coming Back To London

For the second year running the non-profit is bringing artists, galleries and patrons to London in the name of celebrating queer erotic art.

The Tom Of Finland Art & Culture Fest Is All About Community

Bringing its Art and Culture Festival to London for the first time, the Tom of Finland Foundation is putting the spotlight on the world’s biggest names in queer art.

Meet the Tom of Finland Emerging Artist Competition Judges

Glenn Martens, Honey Dijon and Mr Gruts sound off on Tom of Finland’s lasting legacy and the importance of queer erotic art.

Tom of Finland Partners With Carne Bollente For An Intimate Capsule Collection

The collection will draw upon wildly erotic (and equally iconic) drawings and paintings created by Tom of Finland during his career, merging them with Bollente’s signature embroideries.

Conversation: Durk Dehner on Tom of Finland

To celebrate the erotic artist's centenary, the co-founder of the Tom of Finland Foundation talks Tom's art, life and legacy.

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