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Work:
Mapplethorpe is probably best known for the controversial element of his work, his homoerotic imagery. Yet the publicity he has received about whether his works should be displayed or censored detracts from his reasons of working. Mapplethorpe works in the classical tradition, his works are beautifully and carefully lit. He uses eminent skill in composing his images which are extremely powerful whatever his subject may be. He produced images that depict amazing contrasts. He did not only take images of homoerotic nature but also compelling imagery such as his self portraits, images of women and images of flowers. This is not to deny that even his images of flowers tend to refer to sexuality. Why do the public react so strongly to Mapplethorpes work? Is it the difficulty we have we viewing the naked male figure?
Is it difficult for many to view Mapplethorpe's work because he portrayed gay imagery for a predominantly gay audience