Sofia Coppola On Robert Mapplethorpe
The Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Paris hosts an ongoing series of the works of Robert Mapplethorpe titled Eye to Eye in which each exhibition is assembled by a different visionary. Sofia Coppola curated the current exhibit of the American photographer and the selected works reflect her appreciation for the beauty in small moments, drawing our attention to the gentler side of Mapplethorpe, highlighting his strength and sweetness. Regarding the works she chose to feature, Sofia says, “There were, of course, famous images that I knew but it was interesting to see photographs I didn’t know of his. I didn’t know he did sweet portraits of children and animals, for example.” Guests at the opening included Sofia's new husband, Thomas Mars, Princess Lee Radziwill, Giambattista Valli, Martine Sitbon, Stephen Dorff, and Patti Smith (one of the subjects on display). Among the previous curators of the Eye to Eye series are Hedi Slimane, Cindy Sherman, and David Hockney. Robert Mapplethorpe by Sofia Coppola runs through 7 January 2012 at the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, 7 Rue Debelleyme, Paris. For more information, read Dazed's interview with gallery owner Thaddaeus Ropac or view photos of the opening in the gallery.
Sofia Coppola photographs © 2011 Condé Nast. Courtesy of dianepernet.typepad.com and purple.fr. All Mapplethorpe Works © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Courtesy Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris/Salzburg. All Rights Reserved.
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