Mapplethorpe: A Biography

After I saw the biopic, Mapplethorpe, I left with more questions than answers so I went to Google and discovered that Patricia Morrisroe’s Mapplethorpe: A Biography is considered the definitive authority on the artist. I requested it from my local library immediately and am pleased to report that this biography lives up to its reputation. It is one of the best biographies that I have ever read (disclaimer: I did not actually go through the list of biographies that I read then mentally compared them to this one).
Mapplethorpe: A Biography feels comprehensive without becoming too boring or dry because the writing is just as excellent as the research. Even though it is a large book, it is a quick read once you gain some momentum and get past the Floral Park years. It is eminently balanced. It paints a portrait of a complicated man. It does not hide his flaws or try to amplify his gifts. It is neither excoriating nor fawning, but fair. Morrisroe shows confidence in her readers, provides the information and lets us decide.
If you’re interested in reading Mapplethorpe: A Biography, but are intimidated because you don’t know a lot about art or the era, discard your trepidation. Morrisroe excels at providing context regarding art, subcultures and regions so you can be a complete neophyte and quickly get acclimated. She is deft at taking detours to delve into the lives of notable figures that played a prominent role in Mapplethorpe. For example, readers almost get mini-biographies of Patti Smith and Sam Wagstaff.
Mapplethorpe: A Biography really respected and emphasized the skills that it takes to be a successful artist: networking and self-promotion. Mapplethorpe really worked hard at socializing with the right people and had no qualms about conflating the personal and professional even if it leant a certain mercenary quality to his relationships. His primary goals were fame and fortune so he succeeded. To be clear, I’m not dismissing his art, but there are plenty of talented artists, and many of them are starving and unknown. Regardless of whether or not you’re interested in art or your professional field, this book may be essential if your priorities align with Mapplethorpe’s. He had a keen understanding of the market, knew how to distinguish himself from the pack and gain favor.
His art was not a gimmick or a cynical act. He was also a dedicated artist who worked until the day that he died. When he was shocking, he was not trying to be provocative to get attention though he also worked that angle in his favor. It was a reflection of his life, his commitment to embracing the taboo and exploring his furthest corners. Mapplethorpe: A Biography definitely examines his personal and professional life so you can get an intimate sense of what he was like as a person.
After reading Mapplethorpe: A Biography, how does the biopic measure up? It falls dreadfully short in terms of accuracy and enjoyment so if you’re a reader and a movie lover, stay away from the movie. The movie criminally minimized and was reductive in its representation of Mapplethorpe’s relationship with Smith and butchered the depiction of his family. The movie pulled punches because the titular person was actually worse than depicted on screen and probably more vapid and narcissistic. If you’re not a reader, do some research and find a documentary because the movie is underwhelming and dowdy in comparison to the reality, which could be classified negatively by many, but never could be called boring.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mapplethorpe: A Biography, but how did I feel about the man? He was a virulent racist, and I’m amazed that his friends of color continued to associate with him because he only got worse. On one hand, he reveled in pushing boundaries, but denigrated others who exhibited the same behavior or less if the person at the helm was a person of color. If I had a friend who was interested in starting any kind of relationship with him, regardless of gender or color, I would probably warn them not to because he would probably hurt their feelings and be out for himself first without being protective of them with the exception of Smith. In spite of all of that, it does not diminish what I think of his art, and I was still sad to reach the end of his life and this book. Still I wonder how many people’s lives he destroyed literally or psychologically.
If I had to find something negative to say about Mapplethorpe: A Biography, it is don’t look to it for reproductions of his most famous photographs. It does include some photographs, but it is not a very large sample so I’d look elsewhere to satisfy your eye. I would also add that the photographs are not the point of this biography though they play a central role in the life of the man, who is the real focus of this brilliant book.
I so enjoyed Mapplethorpe: A Biography that I’m actually curious about Morrisoe’s other books, but while I’m into fashion, I’m not into shoes (9 ½ Narrow: My Life in Shoes) and am slightly superstitious about reading Wide Awake: A Memoir of Insomnia lest I subconsciously absorb her issues and develop psychosomatic symptoms. I’m sure that the loss is mine. It isn’t often that I’m interested in the author behind the biography. Maybe I’ll change my mind.