We are thrilled to announce Peter Berlin: Permission to Stare, curated by Russell Tovey, which will be on view February 14 - 23, 2025 at 526 N. Western Avenue in the Melrose Hill neighborhood of Los Angeles, coinciding with Frieze LA. There will be a reception on Tuesday, February 18, from 6-8pm. We hope to see you there. Peter Berlin: Permission to Stare features the groundbreaking photography, art, and personal artifacts of Peter Berlin, an artist who transformed queer self-representation and male eroticism in the 1970s and beyond. The exhibition is curated by actor and host of Talk Art, Russell Tovey, and will showcase Berlin’s iconic self-portraits, unique painted photographs, and items from his personal archive including his own clothing designed by Berlin during his years as a self-styled gay icon. This is the first ever exhibition of Berlin’s work in Los Angeles, and the first time many of the works and artifacts from his personal collection will be on view. “Peter Berlin, the fearless and enigmatic, otherworldly icon of 1970s cruise culture, created work that resonates around the world—sparkling, searing, and blazing with vitality. His images burn with eternal desire, offering us the ultimate permission to stare. It’s a privilege to share his groundbreaking art with new and familiar audiences alike. Peter Berlin remains a profoundly significant yet often overlooked figure in the history of art.” – Russell Tovey Peter Berlin resides in San Francisco today, where he is still frequently recognized on the sidewalks by his fans. His photographs are represented in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, as part of the Robert Mapplethorpe archive (Mapplethorpe and Sam Wagstaff collected Peter Berlin’s work); in addition to The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University in Bloomington. Peter Berlin: Permission to Stare, curated by Russell Tovey On View: Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 23, 2025 Reception: Tuesday, February 18, 6-8pm 526 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004 #art #peterberlin #russelltovey #losangeles #gallery #photo #photography #gay #1970s #mariposa