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Tampa Orchid

Robert Mapplethorpe

Graphicstudio United States

Artwork details

Artist

Robert Mapplethorpe

Title

Tampa Orchid

Description

Photogravure/screenprint with aluminum glitter appliqué

In Tampa Orchid, two copper plates were used to print two orchid images, derived from the same photographic image but printed side by side in tones of black and blue. The black flower remains anchored on its dense, nonreflective photogravure background, while the blue flower floats on a screenprinting of glittery silver.

Date

1986

Medium

Photogravure

Edition

Signature

Signed

Sheet

21-1/2 x 35-1/4 inches

Price

Price on request

The Artist

Robert Mapplethorpe

Robert Mapplethorpe was an American counter-culture artist who blazed a taboo-busting trail across the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He worked mainly in black and white photography, addressing themes of sexual behaviour, homosexuality, erotica and sadomasochism. His images were mostly portraits, including nudes, self-portraits and noted artists such as Andy Warhol and Joan Armatrading. As a gay man, his work was often homo erotic. He also depicted people engaged in sexual acts including BDSM, which was very controversial at the time. Despite this, Mapplethorpe’s intention wasn’t purely to shock. He wanted to cast light on the unseen undercurrents of human behaviour and on those who were often kept out of public view.