imagine... Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures

[BT Bob]

Anyone catch this excellent documentary on BBC2 over the weekend?

Very controversial photographer, but extremely talented, IMO.

Available on iPlayer ICYMI: imagine..., Summer 2017: 1. Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures

Quick word of warning - if your not familiar with his work, some of if it is very challenging.

 

[roll1later]

Watched this last night on your recommendation, it's true what they say that some things just can't be unseen

Very graphic and really not mine, or many others I would imagine, scene. That being said it was interesting and I did like his flower pics at least

I did chuckle though at the pretentious comments by some trying to justify why, as just one example, thought a photo of him with a bull whip sticking out of his bottom was merited and made a good photo. I guess I've led a more sheltered life than I thought I had and will never understand true 'art'.

Thanks for the recommendation though it was certainly an eye opener, just like one of his photos was

 

[BT Bob]

It's all about the "exposure"..

His book "Pistils", the flower work, is stunning, as are some of his "normal" portraits and figure work. He definitely was a talented photographer.

I have to say the bulk of his homo-erotic work (much of it in his book "Altars") isn't really my cup of tea, but I don't mind being challenged by art of all kinds.

In their own way, Don McCullin, Philip Jones Griffiths, Cindy Sherman, Joel Peter Witkin, Weegee all made pictures that aren't easy to look at, but still valid in their own way, IMO.

 

[roll1later]

Not sure if I should google them after your last recommendation

I agree with you I have no issues being challenged by art and I'm glad I watched it, after all you learn nothing with your eyes shut.

I'm just not arty enough I think as the gay stuff I just saw a porn but as mentioned he did definitely have a good eye for photography as some of his portraits were, imo, really very nice. I'm sure he'll be turning in his grave if he heard someone call his work 'very nice'.

 

[roll1later]

In their own way, Don McCullin, Philip Jones Griffiths, Cindy Sherman, Joel Peter Witkin, Weegee all made pictures that aren't easy to look at, but still valid in their own way, IMO.

I braved it I recall seeing a documentary recently on Don MCullin which was also very interesting. Finding Vivian Maier was another good watch as well.