Exploring the Classical Aesthetics through the Lens of Robert Mapplethorpe
Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe's works are being exhibited again in Venice, marking the first major retrospective of his work in Italy. The exhibition, titled "Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium," is housed in the expansive spaces dedicated to photography by the Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Marsilio Arte on the island of San Giorgio.
This is Robert Mapplethorpe's third visit to Venice, following the controversial exhibition at Palazzo Fortuny in 1983 and the 1992 exhibition at the same venue, which was held in Mapplethorpe's memory after his AIDS-related death in 1989. The current exhibition, however, is not a collaboration between the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, but is housed in the spaces provided by Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Marsilio Arte.
The exhibition seeks to tell a different story of the artist, moving away from the clichés that have so firmly linked him to eroticism and sex. It features over 200 photographs from Mapplethorpe's career, including works from his series "Flowers," "Self-Portraits," and "X Portfolio." The concept of the exhibition was developed by the curator Roberta Valtorta.
The exhibition at Palazzo Fortuny in 1983, curated by Germano Celant, launched Mapplethorpe into international fame. It is expected that the current exhibition will also attract a large number of visitors, offering a fresh perspective on the works of this influential artist.
The exhibition is curated by Jeffrey Deitch, known for his work in contemporary art. It runs from May 18th to September 2nd, 2023. Visitors to the exhibition on the island of San Giorgio will have the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of Mapplethorpe's career, and gain a deeper understanding of his artistic vision.
