Robert Mapplethorpe rose to notoriety for his provocative black-and-white photographs that boldly celebrated queer identity and sexuality. In the 1970s and ’80s, he turned his lens on himself and his vibrant New York circle—featuring figures such as musician Patti Smith (his former roommate at the Chelsea Hotel), artists, socialites, adult film stars, and members of the gay S&M subculture. Though his subject matter was often controversial, Mapplethorpe was equally committed to the formal qualities of photography. His images reflect a meticulous attention to composition, texture, balance, and classical notions of beauty. This is especially apparent in his later studio work, which includes refined portraits, floral still lifes, and nude studies. Following his death from AIDS-related complications in 1989, Mapplethorpe’s inclusion in The Perfect Moment—a touring exhibition supported by the National Endowment for the Arts—ignited national debates over public funding and obscenity. Today, his legacy is firmly established, with major retrospectives at institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum, Kunsthal Rotterdam, Tate Modern, and Musée Rodin. His photographs frequently command six-figure prices at auction.

Robert Mapplethorpe

American

Main

Artist

Printer

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Sonia