PHOTOS OF PHOTOS......

Self Portrait 1988

I was at the Petit Palais at opening time this morning to see the « Paris 1900 » - it would seem that all the tourists and French  had chosen the same day. I was thrown as going to the MAM was not easy and would the Fontana prove to be the same - crowds. Looking across the road I saw this.

It had not been my intention to go and see Robert Mapplethorpe. 



I certainly don’t know all his photos but even if I admire this portrait of Louise Bourgois which shows her at her best, ......

Louise Bourgois

I am not longer seduced by nude men or gay erotica. « Give it a go, » I said and as there was not a queue inside or out, I gave it a go. 


After taking in some 200 photos and photographing photos which is certainly not easy, I had much more respect for Mr Mapplethorpe. 
Somehow I agree with what he said « he wanted people to see his world first as art and second as photography ». Some of the portraits are exceptional 


 

 

Lisa Marie  1987

Lysa Lion 1982

Susan Steffens 1984

Patti Smith 1987

self portrait 1980

Philippe Glass and Robert Wilson 1976

Pierre Bergé 1971

Yves Saint Laurent 1971

as are his flowers

Calla Lily 1988

or legs and hands…..

Lysa Lions 1981

Lysa Lions 1981

Thomas and Dovanna 1966

Hands 1981

Many of his photographs of beautiful black men I knew - and I agree that as a body goes, these are close to perfection. The erotica room I gave a miss. This is the first retrospective of his work in France since he died and it does cover every possible aspect of his work. He died in 1989 at the early age of 43. Aids of course. The self portrait which serves as the exhibition poster was take in 1988. A real symbol of the end.

I’m glad I went - in fact very glad. His photography is the sign of a great artist.