Robert Mapplethorpe (Still Lives)

 


Not only does Robert Mapplethorpe take dramatic and captivating portraits of people, but he also is able to capture dramaticism, moodiness, and deep feelings and thoughts in his still lives of flowers. I really really enjoy the image above because of the sharp darks and lights but also the beautiful transitional greys in between. I think the contrast of the flowers in the same lighting against both the dark and light background is really interesting to look at. I really like the look of the natural light creating shadows, and I wonder if Robert Mapplethorpe used flash at all for these that are in black and white. 





These two photos give a much closer and clear image of the flowers. There is something captivating about the life and beaty of the flowers emerging from the darkness. These photos are simple but beautiful. Because orchids are zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), he was able to position the flower in the unique symmetry of these flowers. I also find it interesting that he chose to display this flower upside down from as it would be oriented on the plant. Again, I love the high contrast with the beautiful transitional greys in between. 





These last three images are very beautifully done, contrasting the colors of the plants to the background. These are what I am using as inspiration for my still life. Especially in the top photo, I love the juxtaposition of the simple geometric shapes versus the natural curves and complexity of the orchid. I really find these colors to look nice together, and it is perfect because the walls of the art building are a very similar color, so I will try to imitate this.  I also really enjoy the image below because it reminds me of the portrait Robert Mapplethorpe did of the two men who are looking away from each other. Just like that photo, these two plants are telling a story. I like how the curves of the plant on the right seem to fit like a puzzle piece to the one on the left.  













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