While I have known about Tom of Finland's work for most of my life, it wasn't until recently I was able to visit the TOM house and get to know the archived art of Tom and the other artists in residence. The house and the archive within it has always been one of the coolest and most unique historical monuments and archives I have ever been to.
Hearing that the Foundation was considering moving the materials from the TOM house, firing staff, and ceasing communication with community members, I became deeply heart broken. Not only has the art and history community in Los Angeles created a group of people looking to take care of this place, this puts the house and artworks in danger of being lost or damaged.
The foundation are not acting like stewards of the TOM House and its archival materials but private equity firm "restructuring" this historical site and its contents for all its worth. I don't see these actions as anything but the destruction of knowledge and community, like so many far right politicians have demanded of artistic and educational institutions.
Please save the TOM House and preserve its collection in Los Angeles undisturbed. To do otherwise is to erase history and the community that helps to keep it alive.
Los Angeles
U.S.