Mercredi 27 Janvier 2016 10:58:48 par Caroline Peyronel dans Expositions

Since his death in 1989, Robert Mapplethorpe (American, 1946-1989) has become recognized as one of the most significant artists of the late 20th century. The legacy of Robert Mapplethorpe is rich and complicated, triggering controversy, polarizing critics, and providing inspiration for many artists who followed him. Today, Mapplethorpe stands as an example to emerging photographers who continue to experiment with the boundaries and concepts of the beautiful.

Identical self-portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe with trip cable in hand, 1974. Robert Mapplethorpe American, 1946-1989. Gelatin silver print. Gift of The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation
to the J. Paul Getty Trust and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Held at the Getty Research Institute, 2011.M.20.24 © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.

Robert Mapplethorpe: The Photographs (J. Paul Getty Museum, March 2016) offers a timely and rewarding examination of his oeuvre and influence. Drawing from the extraordinary collection jointly acquired in 2011 by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, as well as the Mapplethorpe Archive housed at the Getty Research Institute, the authors were given the unique opportunity to explore new resources and present fresh perspectives.

This publication is issued on the occasion of the exhibition Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium on view at both the J. Paul Getty Museum and at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from March 15 and March 20, respectively, through July 31, 2016; at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal from September 10, 2016, through January 15, 2017; and at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, from October 28, 2017, through February 4, 2018.

Grapes, 1985. Robert Mapplethorpe American, 1946-1989. Gelatin silver print. Jointly acquired by the J. Paul Getty Trust and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
with funds provided by the J. Paul Getty Trust and the David Geffen Foundation, 2011.7.20 © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.

A companion publication to Robert Mapplethorpe: The Photographs entitled Robert Mapplethorpe: The Archive by Frances Terpak and Michelle Brunnick, with essays by Patti Smith and Jonathan Weinberg, will also publish in March coinciding with the exhibition, Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium. The book depicts rarely or never before seen studio files and art from every period and vein of Mapplethorpe's production, including student work, jewelry, sculptures, and commercial assignments.

Lisa Lyon, 1982. Robert Mapplethorpe American, 1946-1989. Gelatin silver print. Promised Gift of The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation to the J. Paul Getty Trust
and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2012.88.614. © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.