MATERIAL LUST

r o b e r t m a p p l e t h o r p e P H O T O G R A P H E R

patti smith, 1976

In the 1970’s Mappplethorpe acquired the polaroid camera saying he felt “it was more honest”. this later influenced his interest in documenting the New York S&M underground scene in the late 1970’s, shooting his circle of friends and acquaintances - musicians such as Patti Smith, artists, socialites and pornographic film stars. “the result resulting photographs are shocking for their content and remarkable for their technical and formal mastery.”

a n d y w a r h o l A R T I S T

debbie harry polaroid, 1980

Warhol’s polaroids served as studies for his later paintings and silkscreens capturing the Studio 54 era celebrity subjects to the unknown individuals and objects that fascinated him.

r o b e r t b r o w n j o h n D E S I G N E R

obsession and fantasy, 1962

t h o m a s r u f f P H O T O G R A P H E R

nudes BD 07, 2001

GO SEE: SEDUCED BY ART: photography past and present

The National Gallery through January, 2013

“a provocative look at how photographers use fine art traditions, including Old Master painting, to explore and justify the possibilities of their art.”

c i n d y s e r m a n A R T I S T

untitled film still #81, 1980

“sherman began making these pictures in 1977, when she was twenty-three. the first six were an experiment: fan-magazine glimpses into the life (or roles) of an imaginary blonde actress, played by Sherman herself… other artists had drawn upon popular culture, but sherman’s strategy was new… although most of the characters are invented, we sense right away that we already know them.” more here.