About the Artist
Robert Mapplethorpe
Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) was an American photographer renowned for his striking black-and-white images and his exploration of controversial subjects. His work included celebrity portraits, self-portraits, male and female nudes, and elegant floral still lifes. Best known for combining technical precision with provocative content, Mapplethorpe helped spark national debates about art, censorship, and public funding through his photographs of New York’s underground BDSM scene. He was also a close friend and frequent collaborator of musician Patti Smith, whose iconic *Horses* album cover features one of his photographs.
