RICK CASTRO: FETISH KING
selected seminal photographs 1986-2019
presented by: Tom of Finland Foundation
dates: April 6th- April 27th, 2019
reception: Saturday, April 6th- 6pm- 9pm
curator: Ruben Esparza
Tom of Finland Foundation
1421 Laveta Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213 250-1685
On view through April 27th, by appointment
The artist’s sex positive imagery is darkly erotic, elegant, and at times sinister.
A powerful figure that emerged in the Los Angeles underground during the late 80’s,
Rick Castro was dubbed the FETISH KING by all that know him.
His photographs are characterized by potent and visceral tableaux, tinged with sadomasochism, leather and sexual pleasure. From the artist’s fetishizing of Tony Ward
in the 80’s, to capturing moments, places and the people of the underground scene
in Los Angeles nightlife in the 90’s and 00’s. He continues his pictorial career and fascination with lust, desire and kink, producing elegant portraiture of celebrated artists
and the demi-monde.
Durk Dehner founder of the Tom of Finland Foundation was one of his first collectors.
The Tom House is where Mr. Castro hosts his weekly tea salon and monthly book club.
Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Rick began his early career working as a fashion stylist and costume designer. His clients over the years included Bette Milder, David Bowie, Herb Ritts, Joel-Peter Witkin and publications like Interview, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair.
Castro first became a free-lance photographer in 1988 with his work appearing in international and local publications.
His first solo exhibition was at Different Light Bookstore in Silverlake, CA, in 1988.
Over the decades he has had numerous international exhibitions. Notable films includes his short films of hustler interviews in 1994 that inspired Bruce LaBruce to make the film Hustler White,1996, in which Rick was co-director/writer.
The film garnered great success internationally and is listed by the
Los Angeles Times in the top 100 underground films of the 20th century.
Rick also directed a documentary for MTV called Plushies & Furries in 2001,
a film which focused on the furry communities.
Over his 30 plus career, Rick Castro has photographed producer Alan Poul,
porn star Peter Berlin, author Gore Vidal, director Kenneth Anger,
performance artist Ron Athey, and the 14th Dalai Lama.
Castro has created editorial photos for Christian Dior Homme, Cartier jewelry
and designer Rick Owens, realizing photographs that are notably more than fashion.
His films are archived by UCLA Legacy Projects, and his books and photographs are archived by the Alfred Kinsey Institute, and Tom of Finland Foundation.
He continues his art practice, and commissioned photo shoots.
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