Robert Mapplethorpe

[KillerMuffin]

Does anyone remember the controversy he created with his pictures? I do, I wasn't terribly old then either. Not that I'm terribly old now.

Is it art or is it pornography? Obscenity or eroticism?

http://www-tech.mit.edu/V110/N31/mapple.31a.html Article

http://www.allwall.com/asp/display_artist.asp?CRID=73&RFID=547790&FT=Y

I can't find any of his controversial stuff, that's no doubt way too pricey to be posted where it can be seen. Nothing like the Jessie Helms for driving the price of obscenity up, neh?

 

[Laurel]

I like the way his stuff is shot, though I'm not a big fan of the content. Like the photo of the bull whip sticking out of someone's anal cavity...not something I'd hang my living room, but I'm not sure it can't be called art just because it's repellent.

 

[Never]

If you consider art anything that involves human creativity (that'd be my definition) than yes, it's art.

Is it good art? That depends.
Do I like it? Not really.
Is it obscene? Yes, but then again, that is what he wanted it to be.

 

[Laurel]

Hi Never!

 

[Adoratrice]

Being from Cincinnati, we are always reminded of the Great and powerful evil of Mapplethorpe ( He was banned here, as assume he was many places) if it were for the media coverage I would probably have no interest in his work....But because I hear how controversial it is I want to see it!!! I know, I know I'm a sheep...BAAAAAA

I feel ya Muffie,I have had no luck in gettin the good shit...hook me up if ya score.


(I am trying out my new "cool" vocabulary...am I pulling it off?)

 

[MinkSoul]

I feel ya Muffie,I have had no luck in gettin the good shit...hook me up if ya score.

hmmm.... your fondeling KillerMuffin.... when you visit the wash room you have trouble with #2.... you wish to have a fishing lure embedded in yourself if She makes one or more points for her side....


i don't know if your saying it wierd.... but i'm sure hearing it wierd...

 

[Problem Child]

I can't find any of his controversial stuff, that's no doubt way too pricey to be posted where it can be seen. Nothing like the Jessie Helms for driving the price of obscenity up, neh?

Well, then quit re-electing the fucker KM! He is your senator, isn't he?

 

[Never]

Greets Laurel, so you don't like the picture of the man with the bullwhip up his anus? I bet the model liked it even less.
Random thought: while most places are not as good as I remember them to be, Lit. is one of the few that seem better every time I return.

 

[Starfish]

Who was more obscene in their era:

Robert Mapplethorpe or Oscar Wilde?

 

[Never]

Robert Mapplethorpe.

'Society' loved Oscar Wilde, even when the critics didn't.

 

[Laurel]

Greets Laurel, so you don't like the picture of the man with the bullwhip up his anus? I bet the model liked it even less.

I hadn't thought about it, but you're probably right.

Random thought: while most places are not as good as I remember them to be, Lit. is one of the few that seem better every time I return.

Which is coincidental, because you get better every time you return.

 

[cymbidia]

Greets Laurel, so you don't like the picture of the man with the bullwhip up his anus? I bet the model liked it even less.

...and i bet the model was getting off on it.


KM? To my way of thinking, his stuff was erotic art. However, some was obscene, yes, when viewed through the lens of times.

Here's another couple sites that might have more of his erotic stuff, or links to them anyway:
http://www.eroticartcollection.com/Robert_Mapplethorpe/index.html (great site overall)
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/mapplethorpe_robert.html (links)
http://www.artnet.com/GalHome/FineArtThumbnails.asp?AID=2152&AILETTER=M&FromLoc=ArtHome (5 pages of photos, 6 per page)

 

[Starfish]

Robert Mapplethorpe.

'Society' loved Oscar Wilde, even when the critics didn't.

Tis true Never

I guess I just think he was more 'shocking' for his time period.

With Mapplethorp, we had already had a giant subculture of people who lived his art.

Wilde was at least more innovative, thus deploring his 'obsenity', and drawing the bitter eye of critics within the sexually stiffling Victorian era, in a manner that sent shockwaves. God I love his nerve.


I was 12 when I first saw Mapplethorp's book of prints. I wasn't shocked. Even at 12, and the people around me either didn't acknowledge his work or thought it to be aimed at that subculture in an effort of artistic validation, which is admirable enough, but doesn't reflect my deepest impression of the essence of artistic motive (though, that is rather subjective, and I should just shut up).

So, it is a subjective toss up?

I just wanted to mention Oscars name tonight. I have been thinking of him often. He was the first true 'big time' pop icon and I love him.