Leo Herrera Presents: Sex and Icons June 8, 2007

DEBUT OF LEO HERRERA'S
“SEX & ICONS”

Photography Exhibit at Magnet Gallery
Artwork Sales to Benefit the GLBT Historical Society

SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, June 8th, 2007, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the GLBT Historical Society invites you to the Magnet Gallery for the unveiling of “Sex & Icons” a photography show 4 years-in-the-making by renowned SF photographer Leo Herrera. This groundbreaking solo debut presents images of rare gay artifacts pulled from the GLBT Historical Society's world-renowned archives ( the suit worn by Harvey Milk the night of his assassination), as well as living gay figures (Amanda Lepore, gay rapper Cazwell), and historic monuments (Stonewall Tavern). Proceeds will benefit the Historical Society as well as the Magnet Gallery.

The breathtaking images of “Sex & Icons” illustrate the symbiotic relationship between technology, porn chic and gay culture. Through award-winning digital techniques, Leo has created 21st century trompe l’olei images, mimicking turn-of-the-century photography, faux vintage Porn Posters, 1930’s surrealism, and modern fashion photographs. The two flagship pieces are an image of the bullet-ridden suit worn by Harvey Milk the night of his assassination and a intricate collage of the world’s most famous transsexual Amanda Lepore, two figures who have shed blood for their sexuality.

"Leo's highly stylized photographic art transforms everyday artifacts of our queer past into compelling testimonies about the textured layers of beauty and struggle that make up our lives and memories," said GLBT Historical Society Board Co-Chair Don Romesburg. "He reworks our history with a fresh, sophisticated, and tender immediacy."

The 25 year-old artist’s work for Trannyshack, Peaches Christ’s Midnight Mass, the GLBT HS & the SF Guardian has catapulted him to national attention. In the last year, his work has been commissioned by the international publications I-D, Surface, Attitude and received awards from the GLBT Center for Religious Ministries and the Center for Fine Art Photography. “My work is an archeological dig into the ruins of the homosexual experience.” says Leo. “It is the loving record of the paradox of a culture flourishing, yet suffering the stress of assimilation and the old wounds of a plague, always existing as both pride parade and funeral procession.”

WHAT: Exhibit opening for Leo Herrera‘s “Sex & Icons” Photography Exhibit Benefit for the GLBT Historical Society * Magnet Gallery. Free and all are welcome.

WHEN: Friday, June 8th, 2007, 8-10:30pm

WHERE: Magnet Gallery 4122 18th Street San Francisco, CA 94114

ONLINE: www.HomoSexualArt.com

The mission of the GLBT Historical Society is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority individuals and communities. For more information, call (415) 777-5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org.

Official Website: http://homosexualart.com