Indeed. He wanted people to look at his explicit pictures because he wanted infamy. And he certainly found it. HBO's "Robert Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures" gives an indepth look at the man behind the camera, and doesn't shy away from showing us the photographs which many people, art critics included, thought of as "porn." Yet, when Cincinnati took the Contemporary Art Center to court on obscenity charges over 5 photos included in the final tour of 175 photographs (after Robert's death), the jury ruled them "art." It was a great victory for everyone. It's hard to believe it's been a bit over 25 years. And, yet, we still find this type of "free speech" challenged in all artistic endeavors from painting and sculpture to film and theatre, and everything in between. Our own adult blogs still come under attack.
Whatever one may say about the man, he knew how to stir emotions, and controversy
And many photographers since have mimicked his work.
9 comments:
Fabulous!
Thanks for the info - I'll be watching! Yes, I guess one man's treasure is another man's rubbish - but how can the human body be rubbish - never made sense to me. Wishing you a delicious jizztastic day, bro. Hugs, Licks, and Strokes, AOM
great pics!!!
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful photographer! I remember seeing an exhibition of his work some years ago now.
Mapplethorpe's up there with Keith Haring, Bob Mizer, and Tom of Finland as 'the' gay artists that even us 'mostly straights' know about. I do know about the controversy wrt: Man in Polyester Suit tho. I'm more reserved, and I really like old-school 'physique' nudes.
Oh, BTW, can you identify a mural for me? It features a brown-skinned, bearded man masturbating on the beach. I've seen photos of it, but have never seen it in person.
A great retrospect collection. I have one the Lad took I should send you!
The black & white photography enhances the male art. Glad the folks decided they are. 100 yrs from now still so.
The art (and the beauty) are not always, (not to say never), where one wait for them.I wish good luck those who want to put customs officers at the borders of their interpenetrations, by starting by to have to determine the limits which would be supposed to separate them. It is not of today, it is true from prehistory to the present day.
Your previous update has given us unique insights in the art and manner of being good at getting everything wrong.
Have a great day, mon chéri, with a lot of French bisous.
Never really been into any of these things... So, I'll pass. xD
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