MAPPLETHORPE, Robert.
Signed exhibition announcement card for Mapplethorpe’s landmark 1978 “Censored” show at 80 Langton Street in San Francisco.
SF: 80 Langton Street, 1978.: 1978
- $2,500
Mapplethorpe couldn't find a gallery in NYC to display his photographs that documented the extreme side of gay, male, sadomasochistic practices prevalent among a group that he associated with in the pre-aids gay community in Greenwich Village---so he arranged a show at the Simon Lowinsky Gallery in San Francisco where, right before the slated opening, the offending photos in the show were pulled. Mapplethorpe then negotiated a venue for the suppressed works at 80 Langton Street, a non-profit art space in San Francisco, with the proviso that they wouldn't be sold via the exhibition. The only self-portrait in the show depicts Mapplethorpe with a bullwhip deeply inserted into his anus, and it is that explosive shot that was selected for this announcement card. The card is signed "Robert" and he also placed an asterisk next to the date of the reception before sending it to a friend. A rare card for a very early show (his third show, and only the second to feature photographs). This showing of his work marks ground zero for the controversy and censorship that Mapplethorpe would endure for his entire career. Some handling impressions, about fine (7" x 5").
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Signed exhibition announcement card for Mapplethorpe’s landmark 1978 “Censored” show at 80 Langton Street in San Francisco.: https://rarebookinsider.com/rare-books/signed-exhibition-announcement-card-for-mapplethorpes-landmark-1978-censored-show-at-80-langton-street-in-san-francisco/