John Palatinus was one of the few surviving leaders in the fight for the freedom to disseminate gay-photography and art during the 1950's and 60's. He is a legendary photographer from an era now called the Golden Age of Physique Photography. At that time in America, it was illegal to send even semi-nude photographs through the U.S. mail. From 1954 to 1959, Palatinus worked in his studios in Northern Indiana and New York City, photographing young male bodybuilders. His photographs were published in numerous bodybuilding magazines of the era, most notably Tomorrow's Man, a pocket-sized publication featuring males with posing straps or other coverings for their privates. In early 1959 his now classic photographs were driven from the market by zealous US Postal Inspectors aided by the New York Police Department. in highly-publicized raids. All of John's his cameras, equipment, photographs, negatives, and mailing lists were confiscated and never returned. After more than half a century, his almost forgotten work has been re-discovered, thanks to the work of archivist and curator of vintage physique photography Alan Harmon and me- Rick Castro. Back in 20010 Antebellum hosted John Palatinus's first photo exhibition. Thus introducing John to a new audience, allowed him to travel with his exhibit for the rest of his life.
John Palatinus was an original and a trail-blazer. He presented his art when it truly could cost you everything.
John passed away from a heart attack on monday~ september 22nd, 2014.
He was one-of-a-kind and is now a permanent part of history.
RIP MASTER RIP.
check out john palatinus- TOMORROW'S MAN EXHIBITION @ ANTEBELLUM
