Exhibition
November 2 - February 24, 2024
Opening Reception:
November 2, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST
Main Gallery
Free to Members and the Public
Departing from the dominant black-and-white format that had defined his earlier works and his influential publication Physique Pictorial, Mizer embarked on an experimental journey in the last part of his life.
This exhibit serves as the culmination of The Bob Mizer Foundation's So It Begins… exhibition series, offering a captivating exploration of Bob Mizer’s [1922-1992] late career marked by the elaborate use of brilliant color in his photography. Bob Mizer • Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992 unravels the profound resonances between his photography and the aesthetic sensibilities he embraced with the use of color photography. Departing from the dominant black-and-white format that had defined his earlier works and his influential publication Physique Pictorial, Mizer embarked on an experimental journey. This departure allowed him the sensibilities of Mannerism, highlighting his innovative departure from the black-and-white norm.
Renowned for capturing aspiring models at Muscle Beach, Mizer’s later career witnessed a remarkable departure to venture into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression. Mannerist art is characterized by a departure from the balance, naturalism, and idealized proportions that defined the High Renaissance in the late 16th century. Mannerist artists pushed the boundaries of convention and sought to express their own unique vision through distinctive stylistic choices and unconventional techniques by deliberately painting distorted figures, elongated limbs, and exaggerated poses to create a heightened sense of tension and drama. They employed complex compositions, unconventional perspectives, and intricate details, often favoring intellectual and emotional expression over naturalistic representation.
By employing diverse backdrops, props, and costumes, and constructing elaborate and complicated multi-dimensional worlds within his studio, Mizer infused his late career works with the complexities and multi-faceted qualities reminiscent of the Mannerist aesthetic. The interplay of vibrant hues, intricate compositions, and evocative expressions captivate viewers, evoking a sense of artistic and emotional depth. The exhibition serves as a testament to Mizer's enduring legacy and reaffirms his position as a visionary artist of the 20th century.
Furthermore, this gallery space not only serves as an exhibition venue but also offers a unique opportunity for the public to gain insights into the meticulous archiving process undertaken by the Foundation in preserving its private collection. It allows visitors to catch a glimpse of newly discovered bodies of work, adding to the comprehensive portrayal of the artist's oeuvre. The inclusion of previously unknown works in this exhibition is emblematic of The Bob Mizer Foundation's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the entirety of the artist's life and creative output.
This exhibition is curated by Dennis Bell, founder of the Bob Mizer Foundation, and is made possible by a grant from the Horizons Foundation. Special thanks to Maxwell Zinkievich, Grant Coordinator; De Kwok, Head of Program Development, Corbin Crable, CCO and the entire volunteer staff of the Bob Mizer Foundation.