One of our favorite photographers, Richard Kern, is in Toronto this weekend to launch a new exhibition at Studio Gallery. The retrospective will feature Kern’s photography and films, which are known for their highly-stylized and often sexually-suggestive nature. Still, if there’s a misconception about Kern’s work, it’s that it’s “trashy” and “pornographic.” Far from being low art, Kern’s photographs showcase his eye for the avant-garde, while displaying a boldness and honesty rarely found in modern-day portraiture.

Kern himself will be on hand at the opening reception tomorrow night, as well as for a book signing and conversation moderated by Bruce La Bruce on Sunday. He’s also working on a new series of photos while he’s in town, promising to cast local Torontonians as “models.”

We’ve been a fan of Kern’s work for quite some time, and were thrilled that he photographed actress and model Paz De La Heurta exclusively for the next issue of Corduroy, as part of a special fashion story on “muses.” Make sure to pick up the issue when it comes out! In the meantime, the opening reception for Kern’s exhibition takes place tomorrow night from 6-11 pm. His artist talk and book signing takes place on Sunday from 7-9 pm. Admission is $10. The show itself is free and runs until May 30th. Details on the flyer below and at studio.to.