Robert Mapplethorpe, “Self Portrait”, 1983, Silver Gelatin Print.
Image Courtesy of Alison Jacques Gallery, London.
Copyright Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, NY. Used by permission
“Teller On Mapplethorpe” is a forthcoming exhibition that — like the title suggests — involves not only the works of brilliantly controversial and groundbreaking American artist Robert Mapplethorpe, but also the creative genius that is Juergen Teller. The exhibition will open at Alison Jacques Gallery in November 2016, a start date that coincides with what would have been Mapplethorpe’s 70th Birthday.
Having Teller curate an exhibition of Mapplethorpe’s work is for many a match made in heaven, but this good news is anything but coincidental. “Juergen Teller was the only choice to curate this special exhibition of Robert’s work,” said Alison Jacques — who has represented the Estate of Robert Mapplethorpe in the UK for nearly two decades. “There are obvious parallels between these artists and I am excited to see how Juergen will bring his edge, energy and unique vision to a new reading of Robert’s work,” she added.
Left: Robert Mapplethorpe, “Tarantula”, 1988/2016, Silver Gelatin Print. Right: Robert Mapplethorpe, “Grace Jones”, 1984, Silver Gelatin print.
Images Courtesy of Alison Jacques Gallery, London.
Copyright Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, NY. Used by permission
Mapplethorpe’s work and life have become legendary, not only because of the way he documented New York’s gay S&M scene, but also because of his seamless integration into numerous industries like fashion, art and commercial photography. For this reason, Juergen Teller — who is this generation’s equivalent in versatility — is considered the ideal curator for the exhibition. After all, only a creative chameleon such as Teller can execute an exhibition of this importance the way Mapplethorpe would have really wanted it.
For the show, Teller will borrow works from the archives of the Mapplethorpe Foundation in New York. As of now, Teller has not made any final decisions of what will be included, but according to The Art Newspaper his selection will contain silver gelatine prints and Polaroids of the beautiful and famous. Following this years HBO Documentary “Mapplethorpe: Just Look at the Pictures”, the excitement for this exhibition could not be greater.
Left: Robert Mapplethorpe, “Italian Vogue”, 1984, Platinum print. Right: Robert Mapplethorpe “Milton Moore”, 1981, Silver Gelatin Print.
Images Courtesy of Alison Jacques Gallery, London.
Copyright Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, NY. Used by permission
“Teller On Mapplethorpe” will exhibit at Alison Jacques Gallery in London from 17 November until 7 January 2017