Why Are Robert Mapplethorpe’s Provocative Images Seemingly Everywhere These Days?

When photographer Robert Mapplethorpe was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986 at 40, his immediate reaction was to destroy the work he would leave behind. After overcoming the initial shock, however, he settled on the idea of planning his estate, which led to the establishment of Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation in 1988, the year before his passing.Related ArticlesFrom the Archives: Read What ARTnews Critics Said About Robert MapplethorpeLGBTQ+ Artists Having Institutional Shows This Pride Month