Guggenheim Explores "Implicit Tensions" In Upcoming Robert Mapplethorpe Exhibit

Following its landmark exhibition on Robert Mapplethorpe earlier this year, the Guggenheim is now preparing a second installment that spotlights progressive works by six of the most controversial artists of the late 20th century. The boundary-pushing list of artists includes Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Lyle Ashton Harris, Glenn Ligon, Zanele Muholi, Catherine Opie, and Paul Mpagi. To be included in the monumental presentation is a selection of early Polaroids, nude portraits, and archival photos of the S&M scene in New York that were all captured by Mapplethorpe. Altogether, the show celebrates each artists’ exploration of self-identity at an era where their works were largely considered taboo.

“Thirty years after the artist’s death in 1989, ‘Implicit Tensions’ demonstrates the impact of Mapplethorpe both as a catalyst of the development of the Guggenheim’s photography collection and as a touchstone for artists working in contemporary portraiture and self-representation,” said the institute in a press statement.

“Implicit Tensions” will be on view through July 24 to January 5, 2020. Visit the Guggenheim’s website for further information.

For more must-see exhibitions, take a look at Sam Friedman’s new landscape paintings to go on display at Dio Horia in Greece as part of an exhibition entitled “Days of Kindness.”

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