Photographers
Robert Mapplethorpe, a perfectionist at Kunsthal, Rotterdam
PhotocriticEtcUntil 27 August 2017 the Kunsthal Rotterdam will present a large-scale retrospective of the life and work of Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989), one of the most influential artists and photographers of the 20th century. The exhibition offers an impressive survey of his career, from the collages and polaroids in the late 1960s and 1970s to the iconic images and masterly compositions that made him famous. More than 200 objects throw new light on his preferred genres: portraiture, self-portraiture, the nude, and still life.
The retrospective follows Mapplethorpe’s development over time and presents the major themes of his work. On display are portraits of friends and acquaintances – including his girlfriend and muse Patti Smith, the body builder Lisa Lyon and model Phillip Prioleau, as well as prominent artists, writers and musicians. But there are also many self-portraits, which demonstrate that Mapplethorpe understood the importance of crafting his own image.
For more details, including those of masterclasses and exhibition tours, please visit the Kunsthal’s website.
