Henry Geldzahler 1979

Editor: This is Robert Mapplethorpe’s portrait of Henry Geldzahler. It’s a black and white photograph, and Geldzahler is holding a cigar. What do you see in this portrait that speaks to its time and context? Curator: I see a layered commentary on power, sexuality, and representation. Mapplethorpe, known for pushing boundaries, captures Geldzahler, an influential curator, in a pose that both commands and questions authority, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The cigar seems to be a symbol of status and power, but Mapplethorpe’s lens adds a layer of complexity, almost challenging conventional notions. Curator: Precisely. The work invites us to consider how identity is constructed and performed, especially within the art world's complex power dynamics. I find that fascinating. Editor: I never thought about it that way! Curator: Considering the social lens enriches the artwork.