In February of last year, Polaroid announced the end of a photographic era, discontinuing the production of their iconic instant camera film. While indie hipsters and nostalgic photographers alike are deeply saddened by this loss, their cravings can be satiated in the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art exhibition of Mapplethorpe Polaroids. Open to the public on January 13th, the exhibit runs through April 5th in the Alsdorf Gallery.
Born and raised Roman Catholic, Robert Mapplethorpe couldn’t have deviated more from the social norms of his age. Breaking down traditional barriers left and right, Mapplethorpe’s erotic and provoking photographs amazed the art world. Picking up a Polaroid camera in the early 1970s to take his first photographs, Mapplethorpe focused on the themes and subjects of portraiture, sexuality, and the human form. He eventually expanded to a medium-format camera and began taking pictures of friends, artists, composers, and socialites, introducing more statuesque male and female nudes and delicate flower still life compositions. Dying in early 1989 of complications due to AIDS, Mapplethorpe ended his life and career as one of the most influential and controversial artists of our time. The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, founded by Mapplethorpe a year before his death, now preserves his creative vision and artwork and helps to raise money and awareness for the AIDS/HIV cause.
A collection of Mapplethorpe’s Polaroids from 1970 to 1975 will be showing at the Block Museum (40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, Illinois 60208) as a Gift of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. More information can be found at the Block Museum Website.
Born and raised Roman Catholic, Robert Mapplethorpe couldn’t have deviated more from the social norms of his age. Breaking down traditional barriers left and right, Mapplethorpe’s erotic and provoking photographs amazed the art world. Picking up a Polaroid camera in the early 1970s to take his first photographs, Mapplethorpe focused on the themes and subjects of portraiture, sexuality, and the human form. He eventually expanded to a medium-format camera and began taking pictures of friends, artists, composers, and socialites, introducing more statuesque male and female nudes and delicate flower still life compositions. Dying in early 1989 of complications due to AIDS, Mapplethorpe ended his life and career as one of the most influential and controversial artists of our time. The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, founded by Mapplethorpe a year before his death, now preserves his creative vision and artwork and helps to raise money and awareness for the AIDS/HIV cause.
A collection of Mapplethorpe’s Polaroids from 1970 to 1975 will be showing at the Block Museum (40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, Illinois 60208) as a Gift of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. More information can be found at the Block Museum Website.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see a snapshot of this infamous and unforgettable photographer!
-L.A.U.R.E.N.
-L.A.U.R.E.N.
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