Renowned as Patti Smith’s counterpart, Robert Mapplethorpe, an American photographer celebrated for his provocative black-and-white imagery, embraced a DIY ethos akin to the rebellious musicians in his orbit. From the outset, he crafted his own Polaroid photographs, deeming the process “more honest.”
A pivotal shift occurred when Sam Wagstaff, a benefactor and mentor, bestowed upon Mapplethorpe a Hasselblad 500 camera years later. This gift prompted a change in perspective, leading him to focus his lens on a diverse array of subjects within his social circle—artists, musicians, socialites, film stars, and denizens of the S&M underground. Today, Mapplethorpe’s posthumous legacy endures through a vast, provocative, and influential body of work, securing his status as one of the canonized artists of the 20th century. His enduring influence on photography and music culture is evident in ongoing exhibitions worldwide.
In its commitment to spotlighting and honoring creative luminaries shaped by and shaping the music industry, PLEASURES has unveiled a new collection inspired entirely by Mapplethorpe’s art and global impact. This collection comprises 16 distinct items, and its release is set for today (Nov. 3), available on pleasuresnow.com and other global retailers. The collaboration is made possible through a partnership with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing prominent artists, photographers, designers, and creatives.
Watch A 19 Year Old Fred Durst Rap On His First Demo Tape
Welcome to a rare glimpse into the early days of one of rock music’s most iconic figures. Before Fred Durst became the frontman of the
Shinedown Announces New Line of Hot Sauces
Shinedown just got hotter! The chart-topping superstars have announced a new line of hot sauces in collaboration with specialty sauce artisan Torchbearer Sauces, with support
Blame My Youth Release New Single ‘THE BREAK’ Watch Video
BLAME MY YOUTH Offer A Nostalgic Journey Through Heartbreak On New Single ‘THE BREAK’ Following the release of Top 30 Alternative Radio hit “Prizefighter”, Blame My
Watch St. Vincent Talk With NME About Working With Dave Grohl and Taylor Swift
St. Vincent has opened up on working with Dave Grohl, saying “it just lights you up to hear him play.” In a new series of NME’s In Conversation, St.
14 New Rock + Metal Tours Announced Last Week
It was a lighter week with 14 new rock and tour announcements, yet one of the biggest bands in rock and metal, Slipknot, announced both a
Watch The Kids Of The Louisville Leopard Percussionists Play “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
The group is a community non-profit organization funded by donations, performance revenue and album sales. The students come from 48 schools in the Louisville area