To many people who are familiar with famous photographers, the name Robert Mapplethorpe is synonymous with controversy. His pictures, many of which explore sensitive topics regarding personal adult themes, were taken throughout the 1970s and 1980s and shocked the world.
“I don’t like that particular word ‘shocking.’ I’m looking for the unexpected. I’m looking for things I’ve never seen before. I was in a position to take those pictures. I felt an obligation to do them,” the Queens, New York, native said, according to The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.
And now lovers of his risque photography and adults who are simply curious can see an exhibit of his iconic black and white images at The Getty Center in Los Angeles until March 24. His pictures, which are valued at more than $30 million, will be divided into various sections by topic at the museum. Although some of the photos may make viewers blush just a bit, the late Mapplethorpe has managed to transform them into beautiful works of art.
But, not all of Mapplethorpe’s work was meant to raise eyebrows. In fact, many of his well known creations are simple but elegant studio portraits of celebrities. Additionally, one of the things that he is most recognized for is his series of images of artists that are in the famous book, “50 New York Artists.” The New York resident even created an album cover for Patti Smith.
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, likely just a hop, skip and a throw away from your Los Angeles vacation rental, just make sure you leave the kids at home. Although Mapplethorpe died in 1989, his legacy is sure to live on for decades to come.