Robert Mapplethrope has given me so much life lol. But no seriously, I can see why he was one of the most important artist of the 20th century. He pushed boundaries and made art. He started off by doing collages and that only lead to high heights for him. Working in mainly black and white, his contrast is found past the that and truly makes the photo. From things as delicate as flowers to his pornographic side of work, to me they all add this tension and anticipation when being viewed.
Some things I can name that Mapplethrope are shape, color, line, balance, light, and form. Each photograph has so much thought put into. Also when putting together many of his series. How his flower photos mimic the human body ones but yet still can stand strong and alone.
By only looking at only a few pictures of Robert Mapplethrope, I was inspired. I’ve come to realization that when it comes to my work that I don’t make as many photographs that have been in my head because I feel as though they are just repeats of others that I have seen. But I remember Shane saying that we need to get those pictures out. I need to start thinking about my ideas and my project as something that no one has ever seen before and not an idea I’ve heard of. I plan to open my mind and push my mind. Even if I say I favor portrait photography more, I will make the most of that create the best picture that I can.
This week seems to mostly be based in black and white! I like it.
ReplyDeleteThe first photo caught my attention immediately. It speaks volumes to our culture now and I could only imagine what people thought about it when he originally made it. His overall deep blacks and rich whites is fantastic as well.
I do see where you would love his work because it seems closely related to your work also!
ReplyDeleteI'm very much drawn to the last image. It is a contorted mess and references Greek statues while making a contemporary statement.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear that you are inspired! Go forth and do great things.
I love the middle picture - the two flowers reaching for one another create such a strong sense of yearning, even though they're inanimate (well, not really, but they're not people, which is the important thing). To be able to create such strong emotion with nothing more than a couple of flowers and brilliant lighting requires not only great photographic skill, but real insight into how people think and feel. I can definitely see parallels with your work here!
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