Weekend Onesie:
Robert Mapplethorpe's
Portraiture
Last week, when putting together my Sunday Diva post on Annie Lennox, I came upon a most striking photo of her, early in her career.
The photo was arresting, to say the least. Such depth. Such clarity. And it managed to capture the very essence of its subject.
It was, of course, one of Robert Mapplethorpe's celebrity portraits. I immediately began seeking others from that series and I wanted to share them with you today.
Mapplethorpe was an instigator, a radical element. He loved pushing boundaries and exploring fringe elements. These portraits represent his work in a more traditional framework, placing the emphasis on his skills as a photographer. Yes, the subjects are indeed evocative, but not in the sense typically attributed to Mapplethorpe. It is his mastery of the art form on full display in these photographs.
I adore them for their simplicity. Their honesty. And how they sear the mind.
These images, once seen?
One cannot forget.
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Have a lovely weekend.
Wishing you all the very best.
Enjoy.
-uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
(Jellybean Benitez 12" Mix)
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5 comments:
Now that's a Hall of Fame. Fantastic collection!
Thank you Upton for showcasing them.
Love Patti as a madone, and gorgeous Lady Miss Kier in B&W for a change (is it just me or is there kind of a resemblance with Ann Hathaway?)
simple portraits say so much. yoko ono's is striking.
Fabulous portraits!
I think it was Patti Smith who said that Robert gave her so many of his photos that at one point when she was moving she stuffed a garbage can full of them hahaha. Ohh Patti. She was more a student of Hujar, I think, and you can see the similarities in their work. Patti and Robert had a bit of a chalk and cheese relationship, as much as they were friends (and even lovers, maybe). Thank you Mate!
When I was at art school, I discovered a book full of photos of phalluses (I was going to say cocks or dicks, but didn't want to lower the tone) in the library, which is what brought Robert Mapplethorpe to my attention. However, I never looked further into his work, and remained ignorant of his portraiture until now.
I recognise the Annie Lennox one from years back, but didn't know it was one of Mapplethorpe's. So many stars: Isabella Rosselini, Sigourney Weaver, Susan Sarandon, and Lady Miss Kier!
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