A Brief History: Bob Mizer
Despite societal restrictions, photographer and filmmaker Bob Mizer somehow managed to gain cult status.
Born Robert Henry Mizer in 1922, his first images appeared in 1942. However it was his 1947 arrest that launched his career and strengthened his determination. In a letter written to his mother during his 9-month sentence on a work farm in Saugus, CA, he wrote:
"I feel more strength now than ever before, but this strength, this driving energy, shall be carefully bridled and directed with wisdom ... My ambition is everything — pleasure, physical sensations mean nothing compared to great accomplishments.”
Mizer went on to create thousands of images.
His images of men ranging from actors to bodybuilders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Dallesandro, in skin tight pants or wearing nothing but posing straps were illegal at the time. Although by today's standards some of them wouldn't be so shocking, his collection of more pornographic pictures probably would.
Mizer pushed on and created the Athletic Model Guild and Physique Pictorial, a groundbreaking magazine. And despite the obstacles he faced, Mizer gained many fans including Robert Mapplethorpe, David Hockney and Gore Vidal.
Mizer passed away in 1992, but his influence can still be seen today in the work of a number of artists and magazines.
Fashion designer William Anzevino has screen printed classic Mizer prints onto ultra soft tees, tanks, and sweats in his newest series, Anzevino + Bob Mizer, available now at International Playground. Check out the collection and get a little piece of Bob Mizer for yourself.
