Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/01

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Free Stuff Fridays: Only in Canada...Pity.
From: Robert Browne <rbrowne@iopener.net>
Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2000 21:44:52 -0500

Jim Brick wrote:
 
I have seen this book in a bookstore. The subject matter is disgusting but 
Mapplethorpe certainly was a good photographic artist and technician. Too 
bad it was wasted on such demented and vulgar subject matter. 
 
Jim,

I think you're being too kind to Mapplethorpe. After seeing the scope of his work over the years my opinion is that he was only a mediocre photographer and technician. What made him the darling of the art world was his more controversial subject matter. I made a similar comment to my wife when we were at an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently that included a couple of his photos. Another viewer standing nearby agreed. So I guess at least one other person shares my opinion.

Robert