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Flower, 1980 |
By KAYLA TASCHEN
Like Sofia Coppola's father, Francis Ford Coppola, Mapplethorpe is also a native from Queens, New York. The well-known American photographer died at the early age of 42 from complications related to AIDS. Just shortly to his death, the former boyfriend of Patti Smith ( prior to coming out of the closet) set up the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, Inc to safeguard his work and to continue to promote his photos to raise money for AIDS and HIV research, which has donated millions of dollars under his fund.
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Sofia Coppola: Robert Mapplethorpe Opening. November 25, 2011, Paris |
The American director — known for her ethereal film aesthetics — has curiously chosen portraits of women who appear silently strong (see portrait of Paloma Picasso by Mapplethorpe featured below) portraitures of animals who seem vulnerable yet naturally beautiful in their presence, and some flower depictions that perhaps echo the essence of the two. In fact, the recently married Coppola (to Phoenix lead singer Thomas Mars), was concerned about her selection looking perhaps, "too girly."
Have a watch at the opening of the exhibition in Paris at the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac (video featured above), other footage of behind the scenes videos (below), as well as some images and more footage of the show (exhibited below).
The Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition by Sofia Coppola will be showing until January 7, 2012, so if you're a fan of Sofia Coppola and or Robert Mapplethorpe, be sure to catch the exhibit if you're in Paris.
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Paloma Picasso, 1980 |
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Kitten, 1983 |
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Stella Astor, 1976 |
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Flower, 1984 |
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Marissa Berenson, 1983 |
ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE
Gallery Thaddaeus Ropac
Gallery Thaddaeus Ropac
CURATED BY SOFIA COPPOLA
NOVEMBER 25, 2011 - JANUARY 7, 2012
PARIS
NOVEMBER 25, 2011 - JANUARY 7, 2012
PARIS