BUTT-sponsors powerHouse’s Peter Berlin Powered Gay Art Gab

It’s a gay art supernova down at powerHouse tonight. Artist A.A. Bronson, Fischerspooner’s Casey Spooner, fan favorite Bruce Benderson and gallerist Daniel Reich join powerHouse managing editor, Nicholas Weist for the BUTT-sponsored panel, “Them Boys”.

The stellar panel revolves around the history and potential future of gay art. And at the center of this brilliant cosmos lies Peter Berlin – the artist whose iconic bulge burned up the art scene in the 1970s.

German born Berlin’s performative self-portraiture worked people – including himself – into a lather. Berlin brought costumed cruising into the limelight, shining a celebratory light on gay sexuality. Berlin’s fetishized identity comes into sharpest focus in his 1974 movie, That Boy. A prime example of Berlin’s alluring approach, the flick highlights his manipulative compression of voyeuristic fascination and exhibitionistic narcissism.

In addition to the discussion, “Them Boys” will also be screening That Boy – the first public showing in twenty years. How’s that for galactic?

Get the dazzling details after the jump. And don’t forget our interviews with Bronson (parts one and two) , Benderson and, yes, Mr. Weist.)