The Tom of Finland Foundation is bringing together over 60 LGBTQ+ artists from around the world for its first-ever group exhibition, FXLK PLAY: Mythmaking, Devotion, and Mischief. Opening September 13 at Long Hall in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park, the show pays tribute to the Foundation’s trailblazing Artist-in-Residence (A-i-R) program and the erotic legacy of TOM House in Echo Park.
The exhibition, which runs through October 12, transforms the gallery into a lush, immersive environment inspired by the archives and aesthetics of the legendary artist Tom of Finland. Curated by Jamison Edgar, FXLK PLAY captures the rebellious, sensual, and spiritual essence of queer creativity, all while honoring the artists who have lived and created within the walls of TOM House over the past 15 years.
A Celebration and a Defiant Act
For Edward Cella, CEO of the Tom of Finland Foundation, the timing of this debut group show isn’t just about celebration, it’s a necessary cultural response.
“As we celebrate over 40 years of this work, we’re also looking toward the next forty, asking what the future of Tom’s legacy can and should be,” Cella told Gayety. “We’re living through a time of increased censorship and rollback of queer and creative freedoms. This exhibition is both a celebration and a defiant act—amplifying artists who are shaping a more liberated and inclusive future.”
The opening day features remarks by Cella, a keynote by Edgar, a panel with artists-in-residence, and a public performance and reception from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit is free and open Thursdays through Sundays with docents on site.
Mythmaking, Devotion, and Mischief
As the name suggests, FXLK PLAY explores themes central to queer experience: imagination, intimacy, and irreverence.
“Tom of Finland created a visual mythology that has shaped queer consciousness for generations,” Cella said. “The artists in this show respond to that myth while forging their own vision. Devotion describes the deep bond between artist, archive, and community. And then there’s mischief, because these artists are disruptors. They provoke dialogue and reorient how we see the world.”
The show is organized into four thematic sections:
- “House of Gods” mines the Foundation’s massive archive, which includes over 1,000 works by Tom and 8,000 by other queer artists.
- “Pleasure Park” explores how desire shapes physical space, drawing inspiration from TOM House’s gardens and intimate moments.
- “Skeletons in the Closet” tackles taboo, kink, race, and gender – featuring a listening station with reflections from past residents.
- “DOM TOM” honors Tom of Finland’s legacy of erotic resistance, showcasing contemporary artists pushing those boundaries further.
A Living Pantheon of Queer Creativity
Founded in 1984, the Foundation has long served as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ artists facing censorship and marginalization. Its Artist-in-Residence program, now in its 15th year, is central to that mission.
“Artists arrive with a sense of curiosity and leave with a sense of conviction,” Cella explained. “Many describe it as a second coming out—where their practice becomes more intimate, bold, and unapologetically queer.”
More than just a studio, TOM House is a “living archive, a sanctuary, and a spark,” according to Cella. “It invites experimentation without judgment. Artists are free to explore sexuality, identity, and community without constraint.”
Global Talent and Lasting Impact
The list of participating artists is expansive, ranging from emerging talent to internationally recognized names like Pol Anglada, who has collaborated with brands like JW Anderson and Moncler, and Stuart Sandford, whose work resides in the Elton John and David Furnish Photography Collection.
“One of the most powerful outcomes has been witnessing how artists carry the spirit of TOM House back into their own communities,” said Cella. “The residency becomes a catalyst. It has created an international constellation of queer creatives whose voices amplify the Foundation’s mission in their own ways.”
Reframing Eroticism as Power
At the heart of the show, and the Foundation itself, is a bold assertion: that eroticism is integral to queer identity, not something to be sanitized.
“Sexuality is inseparable from queer identity. To ask artists to exclude eroticism is to ask them to censor themselves,” said Cella. “This exhibition creates space for unfiltered expression. Desire is not something to be hidden, it’s something to be honored.”
Looking Ahead
With the support of the City of West Hollywood and the John Burton Harter Foundation, FXLK PLAY also includes a schedule of public programming and collaborations with local businesses and arts groups.
“Community is the foundation of our mission,” said Cella. “These collaborations help us expand access and foster shared purpose. In today’s climate, solidarity across institutions is critical.”
Looking to the future, the Foundation has big plans. Cella outlined goals to expand curatorial programming, increase accessibility to the archives, and ensure TOM House’s physical preservation.
“We’re building a future where the Foundation serves an even broader spectrum of queer identities,” he said.
How to Get Involved
The Foundation welcomes participation beyond gallery visits. From tours and events to volunteering and digital engagement, there are countless ways to support.
“The Foundation belongs to everyone who sees a part of themselves in Tom’s work,” Cella said. “We’re here to meet them, wherever they are.”
