Robert Mapplethorpe. Le forme del classico

From April 10, 2025, to January 6, 2026, Le Stanze della Fotografia on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice will host the major exhibition "Robert Mapplethorpe. The Forms of the Classic."

This show celebrates the work of Robert Mapplethorpe, one of the most iconic, refined, and provocative photographers of the twentieth century. Featuring around 200 photographs — some of which have never before been exhibited in Italy — the exhibition offers a compelling journey through the artist’s vision, aesthetics, and enduring influence on the visual culture of our time.

The exhibition will probably have a sequel in Milan in 2026, where additional photographs featured in the catalogue (available at the entrance) but not on display in Venice will likely be exhibited.

Organized in collaboration with the Mapplethorpe Foundation, the exhibition presents a carefully curated selection of works that trace the arc of the artist’s career. It begins with Mapplethorpe’s early experiments in collage and ready-mades during the 1960s, which already reflect his fascination with form, composition, and the boundaries between photography and fine art. From there, the exhibition moves into his renowned portraiture, capturing figures such as Patti Smith — his longtime friend and muse — Lisa Lyon, as well as international celebrities including Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, and Richard Gere. These portraits reveal Mapplethorpe’s rare ability to distill both intimacy and iconic presence within a single frame.

A significant focus of the exhibition lies in its exploration of the relationship between Mapplethorpe’s photography and classical ideals. Particularly in the final section of the exhibition, the viewer is invited to consider the striking sculptural quality of his nudes — male and female — in relation to ancient statuary. The tension between the contemporary and the classical, between raw sensuality and formal perfection, forms the conceptual heart of the show.

Though Mapplethorpe’s celebrated flower studies — such as his calla lilies, tulips, and orchids — are only partially represented, they nonetheless offer a glimpse into the symbolic and aesthetic weight these images carry within his oeuvre. Their presence, though limited, reminds us of the delicacy and power he could evoke through still life as much as through the human figure.

The exhibition is further enriched by a selection of vintage objects and archival documents from the Mapplethorpe Foundation, including personal letters, audio recordings, posters, rare publications, and two short films directed by the artist himself. These materials provide valuable insight into the context of his creative process and the cultural milieu in which he worked.

All the prints on display are original works from the Foundation’s collection and are of exceptional quality. However, visitors may occasionally find the viewing experience affected by reflections on the glass — a minor drawback in an otherwise deeply engaging presentation.