Robert Mapplethorpe’s work played a highly visible and crucial role in the contentious arguments of the late 1980s regarding the definition of art and obscenity. Working in the medium of large-scale, black and white photography, his images are blunt, unflinching and challenging. They also exude a stark and otherworldly beauty that is often unforgettable. Whatever one thinks of his subject matter, the technical and artistic merits of his work are undeniable.
An immersive installation of Mapplethorpe’s work will be on view at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus from March 3 – 5th. The installation commences its tour at MDC, accompanying the presentation of the HBO produced documentary, Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures. The film receives its Florida premiere at this year’s Miami International Film Festival in the Knight Documentary Achievement Award category. Directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato (HBO’s Party Monster,The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Wishful Drinking) have compiled archival materials and never-before-seen photographs and footage, to offer an intimate look at of one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
The installation will be on view at Kyriakides Plaza daily and features larger than life projections ranging from some of Mapplethorpe’s famous images to more personal works, plus rare commentary from the artist himself.
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures – Mobile Art Gallery
Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus
Kyriakides Plaza
March 3 – 5, 2016
5 pm – 10 pm daily
Tickets not required
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures – Film Screening
Miami International Film Festival
East Coast Premiere
Regal Cinema
March 5th, March 12th