ROLF KOPPEL: WILLING Art Exhibit

Reporter: Miguel Dominguez

Rolf, on the right, with his muse Will

The Rolf Koppel: Willing opening reception on February 15 at the Leslie Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, kicked off a photography exhibition which includes over 60 images, representing 30 years of Koppel's career. The exhibit will run from February 16 to March 17, 2012 and on Tuesday, February 21st, from 6-8 pm, there will be a discussion with Austrian art historian and curator Peter Weiermair and Rolf.

William Light Johnson, in front of photos he modeled for Rolf

In his photos, which allude to the grace and sensuality in the sculptures of the classical world, Rolf Koppel and his muse and partner William Light Johnson exchange roles continuously.

Osmani Garcia with friend Eddie Solow, jewelry artist who's erotic work is being displayed and sold at the Leslie Lohmam Museum

Also present were Gary J. Speziale, Dan Romer and Rick Quinn, artists affiliated with the Leslie Lohman Museum

Born in Hamburg in 1937, Rolf Koppel and his Jewish parents left Germany when he was two years old, moving to Sweden and then to the U.S. Back in the 1950s he graduated from New York’s Hunter College, with Robert Motherwell as his mentor.

Rolf Koppel with Charles Leslie, of the Leslie Lohman Museum