Robert Mapplethorpe was an American photographer largely known for his large scale black and white portraits, photos of flowers and nude men. His work is highly sexualised, controversial and some of it is pretty explicit. A lot of Mapplethorpe's photographs are eroticised and focused on the BDSM scene. Aswell as this more shocking side of his work, he also shot portraits of a lot of famous people including Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry and his once partner Patti Smith.
Mapplethorpe rose to fame during the late 70's and into the 80's before dying early in his career from complications arising from AIDS. I think Robert Mapplethorpe is still relevant today, he has been used as inspiration German GQ, with actor James Franco posing as the artist. James Franco is also set to play him in an upcoming biopic based on the artists life, produced by actress Elisha Dushku.
James Franco for GQ
Numero Homme have also based photoshoots on Mapplethorpe's work. I think this shows that the artist is still hugely inspirational and relevant today. I think its the right time for a resurgence of Robert Mapplethorpe's art, as I don't think he is hugely known today, and i think his work is controversial and interesting.
from Numero Homme
I also found a photoshoot named 'constriction' on Dazed digital inspired by Mapplethorpe's portrayal of the New York fetish scene, again proving his work is still influential today.
DAZEDdigital
If you find his work interesting.. there's an exhibition on Mapplethorpe at Alison Jacques Gallery, London, running from September 11th-October 5th..probably best not to take your nan to the exhibition, some of his work is a little explicit!
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