A fascinating look at one of photography's most controversial and beloved iconsThe legacy of Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) is rich and complicated, triggering controversy, polarizing critics, and providing inspiration for many artists who followed him. One of the most influential figures of his time, today Mapplethorpe stands as an example to emerging photographers who continue to experiment with the boundaries of acceptability and concepts of the beautiful.Robert Mapplethorpe: The Photographs 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. The result is a fascinating introduction to Mapplethorpe's career and legacy, accompanied by a rich selection of illustrations covering the remarkable range of his photographic work.All of these beautifully integrated elements contribute to what promises to become an essential point of access to Mapplethorpe's work and practice. 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 through July 31, 2016; at the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal from September 9, 2016, through January 7, 2017; and at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, from October 2017 through February 2018.

About the Author
Paul Martineau is associate curator in the Department of Photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Britt Salvesen is curator and head of the Wallis Annenberg Photography Department and the Prints and Drawings Department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Reviews
One of American Photo's Best Photography Books of the Year: 2016 "Authoritative and indispensable."--Bay Area Reporter, Best LGBTQ Nonfiction 0f 2016 ..".an indispensable publication of lasting significance..."--ARTFIXdaily -...an indispensable publication of lasting significance...---ARTFIXdaily an indispensable publication of lasting significance ARTFIXdaily " an indispensable publication of lasting significance "ARTFIXdaily""



Book Information
ISBN 9781606064696
Author Paul Martineau
Format Hardback
Page Count 330
Imprint Getty Publications
Publisher Getty Trust Publications
Weight(grams) 2618g
Dimensions(mm) 311mm * 249mm * 35mm