The Work of Robert Mapplethorpe

Robert Mapplethorpe was one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. Throughout his career he continued to prove himself purely through his work. What makes Mapplethorpe such a talked about character in the art scene is his wide array of subject matter, for example portraits, nudes, and more. His strong sexuality stands through his work in solidarity which makes him relatable. The ease in understanding Roberts work is what makes his work as good as it is. Not to mention his utterly natural talent for photography.

Let's get this straight Mapplethorpe isn't for everyone, some of his photographs are a lot to process and to some completely too blunt for some. This is fair, to all their own, S&M is very prominent in a grouping of his photos and this could very well throw someone off. Mapplethorpe has many more mellow photographs, take calla lilies for example, this photo is definitely one of his most famous works and on the surface has nothing to do with well lets just say it...sex...on the surface. In my opinion calla lilies is a rather sexual piece but again to each their own. I think the reason people ether love or hate Mapplethorpe is sex. Since the beginning of time people have had problems with sex but Mapplethorpe broke down boundary's as far as he could for his time. The reason why calla lilies is so famous is because galleries wouldn't show photographs of completely nude people or this penis or that penis. Plain and simple the average person isn't going to buy that but you know what they will buy? A picture of some pretty flowers! Calla lilies is beautifully striking, but there is a whole world of Roberts work under it. Mapplethorpe more radical S&M style photography wouldn't start selling until Mapplethorpe reached his goal,fame. When fame came more buyers came and galleries started holding works such as self portraits from the “don't touch here” exhibition. I'll spare the reader the image but feel free to look it up (Warning Contains Nudity Viewer Discretion Advised)

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What I'm amazed at is the quality of these pictures. Mapplethorpe just seemed as though he was a natural at photography. I mean these were just Polaroids and correct me if i'm wrong but most of the Polaroids that he had were just point and shoot. This means no manual settings(Exposure,F-stop,ISO) So with just manual setting he managed to get some of the most recognizable photographs of that time period. Not only the quality but the compositions of these pictures are so tasteful. Even some of the most vulgar(for lack of a better word) are so beautifully done.

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I've mentioned this briefly but Roberts sexuality shines through in his photos greatly. After dating Patti Smith,who deserves a whole article to herself, Robert (after having many sexual relations and experimenting with men) ended up with Sam Wagstaff. Sam was a relatively wealthy man and Robert knew it. Robert and Sam were on the same page with the true reality of the relationship. Although they loved each other, Robert was quoted with saying something along the lines of “His (Sams) money is apart of the relationship”. Sam was Roberts second muse after Patti in my opinion. These sexual relations ended up being some of Roberts greatest inspirations. Throughout his work homosexual imagery is to be seen quite obviously.

Robert sadly died from AIDS on March 9th, 1989 and the age of 42. Too young was Robert to die the world lost one of the most iconic photographers of the 20th century. Every March 9th I and so many other fans light candles for Robert to celebrate his life and legacy.