White Gauze 1984 – Robert Mapplethorpe
After seeing Patti Smith in conversation at the recent Intelligence Squared event, Amanda and I felt compelled to read her award winning memoir Just Kids. Written as a tribute to her lover and best friend Robert Mapplethorpe the fascinating book documents their relationship and lifelong passion for poetry, music and art. Set against the backdrop of 1970’s New York where they lived in the Chelsea Hotel, the book is beautifully written and neither of us could put it down. It made us want to read more of Patti’s poetry and see more of Robert Mapplethorpes work.
An exhibition of Mapplethorpes work entitled ‘Night Work’ is currently showing at the Alison Jacques gallery in Berners Street, London. Curated by Scissors Sisters musicians (Night Work is the name of their latest album) Jake Shears and Babydaddy, the show brings together photographs, polaroids and rarely seen sculptures, featuring Mapplethorpe’s uncompromising fascination with sexuality, eroticism, morality and beauty.
Don’t take your Great Aunt Ethel!
Robert and Patti
Robert Mapplethorpe: Night Work
The Alison Jacques Gallery
16-18 Berners Street
London W1T 3LN
