When I started reading up on Robert Mapplethorpe, all sources pointed to the fact that this was one of the most controversial artists of the 20th century. It was when I started looking up his artwork that realized why: his highly stylized black and white photography bordered on graphic depictions of the human nude form. His portfolio ( selections of which are available at http://www.mapplethorpe.org/portfolios/ ) consisted of other types of photography, however. My personal favorite was his series on statues. One of them, I’m posting here! I highly encourage you guys to read up on Mapplethorpe, not because of his immense artistic impact, but simply because he’s such an interesting fellow.

Mapplethorpe, Skull and Crossbones, 1983

Mapplethorpe, Italian Devil, 1988