Iconic photographer John Palatinus shows in Palm Springs
When photographer John Palatinus was on trial in 1961, facing a prison sentence for mailing nude “beefcake” photos, the judge made a prophetic statement.
“The judge said, ‘By today's community standards,'” Palatinus recalled, “‘these photographs must be considered obscene. Perhaps 50 years from now, they may be considered art.'”
Palatinus was found guilty of disseminating pornography but allowed to go free, having already spent a night in jail at the time of his arrest.
Fifty years later, his photos of the male physique are displayed in books, magazines and art galleries from Paris, Berlin and Antwerp to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
The 82-year-old Palm Springs resident was recognized with one of three lifetime achievement awards during the 2011 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival.
- Will Dean, Special to Metromix
Check it out
What: Exhibition of 46 to 50 of John Palatinus' male physique photographs
Where: Savage Gallery, 870 Research Drive, Suite 1, Palm Springs
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 through Nov. 15. Opening show is 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5.
Information: (760) 464-5978
