This April, the Bob Mizer Museum and Photographic Archives will present Analog Human Studies: 25 Years of Photography by Slava Mogutin.
Born in Russia and forced into exile in the 1990s after persecution for his writing and queer activism, Mogutin has used photography not only as physical proof of lived experience—often highlighting his subjects’ scars, tattoos, and raw emotion—but also as an ethical act of witness.
Over more than 25 years, working in Russia and around the world, Mogutin has built a singular body of work centred on documenting the queer community. His photographs, always captivating, pose an uncompromising challenge to societal norms, forming a multifaceted practice that is not only visually compelling but also steadfast in its sense of resistance.
Working primarily with analog film, the artist is known for his emotionally provocative images and his ability to remain intimately close to his subjects without ever feeling invasive. Sexuality appears as an essential element of daily life, while romance lingers in the palpable compassion shared between subject and photographer. His work shines as a rare beacon in a world too often intent on sanitising the male nude.
In recent years, Mogutin’s practice has turned toward a more reflective realm, engaging mid‑20th‑century queer visual culture and black‑and‑white photography. Among his many book publications, he has also collaborated with notable fashion houses including Comme des Garçons, Helmut Lang, and VETEMENTS.
The exhibition, held in San Francisco, presents a focused selection of works celebrating queer visibility.
April 2 – June 13, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6-8:30 PM
Artist Talk: Friday, April 10, 7-8:30 PM
Gay Propaganda 3.0 Screening: Friday, May 15, 7-8:30 PM
The Bob Mizer Museum Main Gallery
920 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
