His work was first published in the magazine Physique Pictorial in
Spring 1957. Despide his steady growth in popularity from there on, his
first public exhibition did not occur until 1973, in Hamburg, Germany.
Pioneering erotic artist and gay icon. He is widely believed to be the
first gay artist to steer away from effeminate characters and focus his
art on images of strong and masculine men.
The work of Tom of Finland will go on view at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles alongside the works of fellow gay gamechanger Robert Henry Mizer's (as Bob Mizer) Physique Pictorial Magazine from November 2, 2013 - January 26, 2014 (MOCA Pacific Design Center).
His friend and business partner Durk Dehner still lives (as of 2014) in the house they shared in Los Angeles.