Robert Mapplethorpe
1946–1989 · United States
Studio rigour in the presence of bodies and flowers.
The story
Robert Mapplethorpe moved from drawing and assemblage to photography, first using Polaroid and later medium format. His portraits, nudes and floral still lifes give great importance to light and the construction of forms. His representation of sexuality contributed to American cultural debates of his time. The work combines formal control, intimacy and a confrontation with norms of visibility.
Understanding the work
Observe the separation from the background, the direction of light and the relationships between curves. Compare a flower with a portrait without reducing their meanings to their resemblance.
Key works and series
Portraits of Patti Smith; Flowers; studio portraits; studies of the body.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
