PREVIEW: Art exhibition: Images of Masculine Males

Artist Mike Thorn will be presenting an exhibition of his work at the Honeysett Gallery during Brighton Bear Weekender. Mike was born and lived in London for most of my life, but recently relocated to Saltdean in Sussex – and he is loving it! He specialises in drawing and painting heavier, masculine

PREVIEW: Art exhibition: Images of Masculine Males
Mike Thorn

BRIGHTON Bear Weekender takes place from Friday, June 19 to Sunday June 21.

For more information, click here:

Mike was born and lived in London for most of his life, but recently relocated to Saltdean in Sussex – and he is loving it!

He specialises in drawing and painting heavier, masculine men, including bears, skinheads, leather men, and men in uniform. His work has developed a style and reputation that has led to a strong following among admirers of the masculine male.

Mike said: “I’m inspired to show images of gay men which present an alternative to the stereotypical ideal, and my subjects often include labourers, skinheads, club bouncers, wrestlers and football fans.

“I enjoy showing a tough sexy image of men, but at the same time allowing just a glimpse of fun to show through. I challenge the so-called ‘desirable’ images  of  smooth clean-cut men so often portrayed as the gay ideal.

“My work is mainly figurative, although I also include landscape and still life in my work. I work in oils, coloured pencil, and accept commissions for portraiture and other work. My portraits make an original and affordable gift for a birthday, or anniversary.”

Mike has exhibited in London, Paris, Cologne, Berlin, Sydney, Bergen, San Francisco, and Amsterdam and his work has been featured in The Bear Book II, Fur – The Love of Hair, Id Magazine, and many gay publications.

Mike Thorn

Event: Exhibition of Masculine Art to tie in with Brighton Bear Weekender

Where: Honeysett Gallery, Arch 280, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 8PT

When: Friday, June 19 to Sunday June 21 with a private view which everyone is welcome to attend on Saturday, June 20 from noon till 9pm. Free bubbly and nibbles will be provided.

For more information, click here:

Support independent LGBTQ+ journalism

Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.

Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.


Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.


Subscribe today
Consent Preferences