Robert Mapplethorpe: The Archive

by Frances Terpak, Michelle Brunnick, Patti Smith (Contributor)

Celebrated photographer Robert Mapplethorpe challenged the limits of censorship and conformity, combining technical and formal mastery with unexpected, often provocative content that secured his place in history. Mapplethorpe’s artistic vision helped shape the social and cultural fabric of the 1970s and ’80s and, following his death in 1989 from AIDS, informed the political landscape of the 1990s. His photographic works continue to resonate with audiences all over the world.
 
Throughout his career, Mapplethorpe preserved studio files and art from every period and vein of his production, including student work, jewelry, sculptures, and commercial assignments. The resulting archive is fascinating and astonishing. With over 400 illustrations, this volume surveys a virtually unknown resource that sheds new light on the artist’s motivations, connections, business acumen, and talent as a curator and collector.
 

Genres: Art, Photography

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2016

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Mapplethorpe was famous for his often controversial photography, but especially in the early part of his career he produced work in a variety of media, including making jewelry that he sold to make money. This book attempts to document those other works, as well as crucial developments in his photographic output. If you're seeking a collection of his stunning photographs, those are out there. But you'll learn more about the artist as a young man through this book. Consider it the visual equivalent of Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids."

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had numerous exposures to Mapplethorpe notable work before so I only glanced through this one and did not read any of the text, but was impressed at the large number of illustrations included. Great for fans of Mapplethorpe.

[Adriaan Winton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing books the collection of Roberts art and photos is breathtaking
Thoroughly engaging and challenging
A fabulous addition to my collection of books

[Rel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and surprising and evocative and entertaining, and always interesting and well done. Ya know, Robert Mapplethorpe.

I had no idea that Jewelry was such an important part of this early work (I guess I assumed that it came later).

I love his sense of framing. I love where his eye takes him.

[Amber]

Unrated, just wanted to browse the pictures (and file this in Goodreads to find it again). What can I say, the dude liked dicks. And kink. It looks like this volume tried to also highlight other art Mapplethorpe did and didn't have as many of the more known (and sometimes problematic) black bodies or (less shocking) flower photography.

[Daniel Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mapplethorpe was, is, and will remain one of the most brilliant yet misunderstood conceptual photographers, even in modern times. He saw beyond lust, capturing beauty, form, and the raw truth of being.

[Liv]

My friend Allen gave me this book when I was moving away to college. It meant a lot to me. Still does.

[Honore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation left an amazing archive to The Getty Institute. This companion book gives a robust representation of the artists work beyond the S&M gay subculture (but it also does a great job of exploring that facet too). Really great for a flip through or for a deep dive.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Mills College Library]

770.92 M297a 2016