ARTISTS OF AFTER DARK
Our catalogs are home to some of the great forgotten figures in queer 20th century subcultures. Many gay artists aren’t remembered for their contributions. To learn more about these view our artist bios here.
MIKE MIKSCHE
“STEVE MASTERS”
AMERICAN, 1925 - 1964
A fighter pilot turned prominent fashion illustrator and Marlboro man, Mike Miksche’s story doesn’t end there. Uncover the hidden side of Miksche’s hidden queer life as a Physique Pictorial contributor and S&M research subject of Alfred Kinsey.
Miksche as ‘The Marlboro Man’
REX
AMERICAN, 1943 - 2024
A mysterious underground icon of the 1970s and 1980s leather scene, who famously bumped shoulders with Robert Mapplethorpe at the Mineshaft in New York. He created numerous popular graphics for the club, and was frequently featured in publications like Drummer and his own Mannespielen.
Photograph by Jack Fritscher - Originally published by the : Bay Area Reporter
MIKE MIKSCHE
“STEVE MASTERS”
AMERICAN, 1925 - 1964
A fighter pilot turned prominent fashion illustrator and Marlboro man, Mike Miksche’s story doesn’t end there. Uncover the hidden side of Miksche’s hidden queer life as a Physique Pictorial contributor and S&M research subject of Alfred Kinsey.
Miksche as ‘The Marlboro Man’