Vintage health magazine attacks competitors for 'pornographic' images
Though Bob Mizer's Physique Pictorial offered a knowing wink to male readers who viewed the models within its pages as much more than just a picture...
2 min read
When Matt Ravey created MAURICE, he knew he wanted to build something that would foster community and allow space to share some of our forgotten collective stories through art and music.
The Maurice Party in September unveiled a backstage Photo Booth experience that pays homage to the groundbreaking legacy of photographer Bob Mizer.
“Bob Mizer’s visual language helped shape modern photography and queer visual culture,” said Matt Ravey and Christopher Lawrence, hosts of MAURICE. “We’re thrilled to reference Mizer’s work and celebrate his legacy with a high quality, respectful homage.”
“As a museum, we’re committed to seeing Mizer’s work experienced in ways that are both contextual and respectful,” said Dennis Bell, Founder and CEO of the Bob Mizer Museum and Photographic Archives. “This collaboration ensures the imagery is used with proper permission, credit, and care, while inviting new audiences to discover Mizer’s artistry.”
About MAURICE
Billed as a euphoric return to steamy, sweat-fueled nights of dancing to hi-nrg 80s gay disco, MAURICE is a time machine. Named after the classic novel, MAURICE attracts roughly 1,000 revelers each month.
From disco hits to driving hi-nrg tracks, the MAURICE DJs exclusively spin music that was playing in the gay clubs from 1977-1989. And one floor up at UPSTAIRS at Maurice’s, anything goes (sonically) with revolving DJ takeovers.
When Matt Ravey created MAURICE, he knew he wanted to build something that would foster community and allow space to share some of our forgotten collective stories through art and music. For flyer artwork, Matt curates provocative artwork and spotlights gay artists who were contributing their work in the 70s and 80s. He works directly with estate managers, gallery owners and sometimes even the families of these artists to secure usage permission.
Each month, Matt and his co-producer/husband, Christopher Lawrence, design and build large practical sets to enhance their selected theme. They even sometimes create portrait studios to align with their concept.
For September 2025, Matt and Christopher created Camp MAURICE. With a massive oversized LED tent structure, alpine trees and canvas tent flaps with projection mapping, guests danced the night away. Tucked away in a separate room, Emile Zeenny was capturing images of guests in the MAURICE portrait studio which was a replica of one of Bob Mizer’s legendary Athletic Model Guild sets.
With a background in fashion and cinema, Zeenny (photographer) believes that, whether his subject is a seasoned model or has never posed before, everyone can look iconic in front of the camera. He feels his purpose is to instill confidence and energy into every subject while capturing elevated and unforgettable images.
After a successful debut on a larger stage at World Pride in DC, Matt and Christopher are poised to bring MAURICE to more audiences around the country and beyond.
Photo Credit (Mizer Portraits): Emile Zeenny
Photo Credit (MAURICE Party) : Clint Keller
Photo Credit (World Pride, Blue Set, Forced Perpsective Portraits): Jada + David
MAURICE Production: MAJOR WINTERS (Matt Ravey and Christopher Lawrence)
Follow @maurice.party on Instagram
Focus On: Photographer Mikel Marton
The Bob Mizer Foundation is dedicated to recognizing and promoting artists from all walks of life and in all disciplines, and we place a special...
Beefcake from across the pond: The male physique in Britain, part I
Author’s note: This is the first in a three-part series on the history of physique culture in Great Britain. Look for part II on our blog on Tuesday,...