Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures

Before Terry Richardson there was Robert Mapplethorpe. 27 years after his death in 1989, Mapplethorpe’s provocative photos continue to shock audiences.

This documentary delves into the stories of the images, as well as Mapplethorpe’s journey from the suburbs of Queens to gaining cult status in the New York art world. His first love and muse Patti Smith has written about Mapplethorpe and there is also a biography from Patricia Morrisroe, but to visually experience Mapplethorpe’s work is quite powerful, with many of his stark black and white photos eliciting a strong response.

Although often unsettling, it’s clear Mapplethorpe had an extraordinary talent. Interviews with his family, friends and lovers shed insight into the artist, a perfectionist who was willing to be famous at all costs. Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures is absorbing and fascinating and absolutely worth watching if you are a fan of modern art. (ASim)

★★★1/2

BY ALICIA SIM