Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) was an American photographer known for his controversial and often provocative black-and-white photographs. He was born in Queens, New York and studied at the Pratt Institute before beginning his career as a photographer in the late 1960s. Mapplethorpe's work focused on a variety of subjects, including portraits, flowers, and still life, but he is perhaps best known for his frank and explicit depictions of male and female nudity, BDSM, and homoeroticism. His work often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world and sparked debates about censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of art in society. Mapplethorpe's career was cut short by his death from AIDS-related complications in 1989 at the age of 42. His work continues to be exhibited and studied around the world, and he is considered one of the most important photographers of the 20th century.
Mounted to archival paper.
Measures 9.27 x 11.56
Printed circa 1980s.
Verso is blank.